Dear Friends,
To date in Howard County, we have 14,089 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 7,913 active cases, 5,969 total recoveries, and lost 207 of our neighbors from this virus. Our hearts are with the families of those who have departed. We must continue the practices that we all know at this point - wear a mask around people not in your household, avoid gatherings of large groups, keep your distance, and wash your hands. Let's continue to StayCOVIDSafe.
As of 9:00 a.m. today and according to the Maryland Department of Health, our 7-day average positivity rate is at 5.59% and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is at 30.84. We've seen both these metrics decline for 10 and 8 days respectively, out of the past 14 days. Both our positivity and case rates are below the State averages, and our rates are within the lower third of all jurisdictions.
The Howard County Health Department is actively making its way through Phase 1A of our vaccine distribution plan that includes healthcare providers and first responders. Following the Governor’s prioritization, HCHD has also started administering vaccines to adults 75+ in Phase 1B. This week, the new vaccination clinic at Howard Community College will open and can vaccinate up to 1,500 people a day depending on vaccine supply. All vaccinations at this point are by appointment only. Second dose administration will begin this week at the Health Department for those who received their first dose in late December.
The Howard County Health Department is currently pre-registering Phase 1B adults who are 75+ and non-public school K-12 educators and childcare providers for vaccination. Pre-registration allows the Health Department to collect contact information from residents. Once you have completed the pre-registration you will be contacted to schedule an appointment when there is vaccine supply available. Howard County Public School System staff will be contacted directly by their administration regarding vaccination. Additional surveys are being developed for other Phase 1B populations, including developmentally disabled populations. The Howard County Health Department has begun by prioritizing older adult vulnerable populations, per the Governor’s direction.
While Phase 1C vaccination opens around the state, Howard County adults who are ages 65-74 in Phase 1C can pre-register for vaccination. Once you have completed the pre-registration you will be contacted to schedule an appointment when there is vaccine supply available. Please note that there are nearly 50,000 people in Phase 1A and 1B who are being prioritized, and vaccine appointments for Phase 1C will begin as soon as the supply allows.
While we have the capabilities to administer at least 20,000 vaccinations per week, to date, we have received a total of 10,500 vaccines since December 23rd and administered 8,984. As we receive dosages from the State, we are working hard to ensure it gets to our residents. We ask for your patience and understanding in recognizing how great of a demand we have compared to our very limited supply.
As we've stated before - not everyone will get appointments immediately until we have enough vaccine, and we do not have enough vaccine. Please visit vaccine.howardcountymd.gov for additional information or to pre-register. You may also call the Health Department at 410-313-6284 if you need assistance pre-registering. Please be mindful, call volumes are extremely high due to the high demand.
We know this has been a long, challenging time, but the light is at the end of the tunnel. Let's keep working towards it, together.
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Howard County Vaccine Distribution Plan
We’re working around the clock to rapidly scale up vaccination clinics and vaccinate up to 20,000 people per week. As we’ve known since the start of this pandemic, it’s going to take all of us working together to get to the other side of this.
Phase 1A
Vaccinations for Phase 1A are ongoing. Phase 1A include includes all licensed healthcare providers, correctional officers, law enforcement agencies, and frontline judiciary staff. The Health Department estimates there are up to 15,000 people in this group.
Phase 1B
Phase 1B includes those ages 75 and over; those residing in assisted living facilities or special needs group homes; developmentally disabled populations; continuity of government; and K-12 teachers, education staff and childcare providers. The Health Department estimates there are up to 35,000 people in this group.
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will coordinate vaccinations for K-12 educators and staff. Registration for all who qualify under Phase 1B will be open this week. Please stay tuned for more information.
Phase 1C
Phase 1C vaccinations are expected to begin in February. Phase 1C includes residents ages 65-74, public safety and health workers, essential workers in grocery stores, food production, labs, manufacturing, public transit and the postal service. The pre-registration for residents 65-74 is also open for residents.
HCC Clinic
The HCC vaccination clinic opens this week and will be able to administer 1,500 doses per day, depending on supply from the State. The vaccinations will take place in the gymnasium of the Athletics and Fitness Center on campus and will require appointments. The college's Health Sciences Division has partnered with the Howard County Health Department and Howard County General Hospital to help with vaccination distribution. HCC students will also assist with intake, vaccination, patient teaching, and out-processing of patients. Additionally, several of the college’s nursing faculty have volunteered their time help administer vaccines.
Older Adult Outreach
The Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is working to increase vaccine communications with phone calls, online information, signage and flyers posted throughout 55+ communities, senior residences or apartment buildings, assisted living facilities, healthcare providers and commercial areas, through traditional mail, and even through COVID-safe in-person direct community engagement.
Bilingual staff are available to assist those with limited English proficiency who may need support signing up for vaccination or to answer questions. Translated documents are available on the Department of Community Resources and Services website in Korean, Chinese, and Spanish, and there are resources available to assist those who are visually or hearing impaired.
For residents without access to the internet or may not be comfortable with using technology, may reach our Maryland Access Point Staff by calling 410-313-1234 to reach a staff person.
Mobile Integrated Unit
The Department of Fire and Rescue’s Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) program has been integral to the COVID-19 pandemic response. From the onset, the MICH has deployed rapid response teams, decontamination teams, follow up home visits for patients that were symptomatic or known positive but chose to convalesce at home, and more recently sample collection for public safety personnel’s anti-body testing.
The MICH team will now be pivoting to assist the Health Department with the vaccination clinics. The team’s ability to move around to locations where groups or individuals are not ambulatory will help in the vaccination of at-risk groups or people. Currently, this program is in the planning phase to determine facility/location need, logistical needs between the Health Department and Fire and Rescue.
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United We Stand
On behalf of the residents of Howard County, we congratulate President Biden and Vice President Harris on their historic inauguration. As the father of two beautiful brown daughters, it was a joy to watch Kamala Harris sworn in as our first Black, Asian-American, and woman Vice President. We hope and pray for their safety, good judgment, and sound management of our nation over these next four years. As a county that embraces diversity, civility, and equity for all our residents, we know the Biden-Harris administration will bring those ideals to the White House and extol them around our nation and world.
At this time, our country is deeply divided and facing its greatest health threat in a century, impacting the economic and mental health of all Americans. We’ve seen the results of a nation divided, and we know that to move forward, we must work together. In addition to this current crisis, we have an urgent responsibility to address economic mobility, racial justice, climate change, and allowing every resident of this nation to live in communities without fear, violence, and discrimination. As President Biden noted, ‘The dream of justice for all will be differed no longer.’
The challenges that face President Biden and Vice President Harris are daunting and to succeed they need the support and goodwill of us all – it is within all our best interest that they succeed. The people of our country have chosen these leaders for this moment. This moment calls for all of us as Americans to join together and continue the hard, unfinished work of creating a more perfect union for all.
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Remembering Senate President Mike Miller
Senate President Emeritus Mike Miller made Maryland one of the strongest states in our nation due to his steadfast leadership and tireless advocacy. I was honored to pay my respects as he lay in state in Annapolis. His legacy will live on for generations to come, and his enduring presence will remain in our hearts and throughout the halls of the State House.
We continue to keep our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies with the Miller family, his friends, colleagues, and constituents during this moment of grief and reflection of the life of a beloved and devoted public servant.
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Howard County Restaurant Weeks
Howard County Winter Restaurant & Craft Beverages Weeks is currently underway!
Our restaurants have worked incredibly hard during the past year to adapt operations and continue safely offering excellent food, drinks, and customer service. These next two weeks are the perfect time to show our appreciation for our restaurant community and continue to support many of these small, local businesses during the ongoing pandemic.
Thank you to Walker’s Tap & Table for hosting us for our Restaurant Weeks kick-off, and for your continued support in our community. See their Restaurant Weeks menu, and other participating restaurants here. |
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Small Business Town Hall with Senator Ben Cardin
We are pleased to have an incredible small business community that enriches the lives of all our residents. Join Senator Ben Cardin, Howard County Economic Development Authority, Howard County Chamber of Commerce, and I for a Small Business Town Hall where we will discuss initiatives important to our business community.
If you're a small business owner in Howard County, please register right now here. |
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Monoclonal Anti-body Treatment
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses. They are administered within the early stages of a COVID-19 infection to help mitigate severe symptoms and possible hospitalizations.
While hope is on the horizon with the vaccine distribution underway, we must do everything possible to mitigate the onset and the spread of COVID-19, which is still very prevalent. If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, I encourage you to talk to your primary care physician about your qualifications for monoclonal antibody treatment.
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$6.5 Million in Pandemic Aid
At this moment, it is necessary for Howard County to once again step up and ensure the well-being of our residents and businesses. I was proud to sign emergency legislation providing $6.5 million in pandemic aid to support our community. This funding is vital to our community as local and state governments continue to be omitted from federal relief.
The aid includes:
- $2 million for the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) to issue additional grants;
- $1 million for Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) to continue creating infrastructure for additional patient capacity;
- $1 million in housing assistance to prevent evictions and foreclosures;
- $1 million for food and utility bill assistance; and
- $1.5 million for extension of vital educational support and childcare programs like HoCo Scholars and RecZone.
We all know there are brighter days on the horizon, but this pandemic is far from over. Thank you to the Howard County Council for unanimously supporting this effort. What is most clear, is that many people cannot wait for relief and action is needed now.
Read more about the legislation here. |
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Busting Myths about Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a crime that requires more than just good effort and intention to combat, and throughout Human Trafficking Awareness month, we will be busting myths and sharing accurate, helpful information about this complex crime.
Myth: There's a difference between a willing, teen prostitute and a victim of child sex trafficking.
Fact: Anyone under the age of 18 who engages in commercial sex is automatically a victim of human trafficking.
For more information about Howard County’s efforts to combat Human Trafficking, please visit Howard County’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention’s website here. |
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State of Business
It has been a challenging year for many due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but most of all, for our local businesses. Join me and the Howard County Chamber on February 24th, 2021 for my annual State of Business address. Get your tickets today here!
During this speech, we want to ensure we’re hearing directly from businesses. Please take a moment to complete a brief survey, and items submitted may be incorporated into the Chamber’s questions. Take it now here. |
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Energy and Utility Bill Assistance
COVID-19 has devastated many households who have lost income and are trying to make ends meet to keep the heat on, feed their families, and pay their rent. There are several programs available to assist residents with current and past due energy and utility bills.
We are laser-focused on ensuring that our most vulnerable residents do not fall through the cracks this winter, as we continue to combat this virus in our community. Please share this information with friends and neighbors who may be in need.
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Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention
The longer this pandemic stretches on, the more urgent rental and eviction relief becomes. With more than 23,000 renters in the county, and more than 46,000 residents who have filed for unemployment, we are doing all we can to keep people safely housed.
Beginning January 4th, residents may apply for additional housing assistance. As we continue to battle this virus, we must deliver the necessary relief and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
For more information, please click here. |
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Where to Get Tested
As we continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases in Howard County, we are also seeing rise of residents who are getting tested or have questions about testing. The two drive-thru COVID-19 testing locations set up in the parking lots at the Elkridge and Savage fire stations are NOT being operated by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, but are operated by Quality First Urgent Care.
Our volunteer fire stations in Savage and Elkridge are being inundated with questions regarding testing. If you have any questions regarding testing at either location, please call the Howard County Health Department’s Coronavirus Information Line at (410) 313-6284. We all have a responsibility to do all we can to reverse our concerning trends. For more information, please visit HChealth.org.
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Recreation & Parks Updates
Recreation & Parks' three community center gymnasiums (Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter) are CLOSED, EXCEPT for scheduled programs. Visitors may still access the community centers walking tracks, but by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please contact the front desk of the community center you wish to visit. Visitors may also use the community center fitness rooms, but also by appointment only.
Additionally, Recreation & Parks’ indoor programs are limited to no more than 10 people per activity area and all outdoor sports facilities, athletic fields, playgrounds, courts and skate parks are now limited to 25 people or less.
For more information and/or questions, visit Recreation & Parks' website www.howardcountymd.gov/rap and/or please contact the department at 410-313-4700.
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Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) |
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January Virtual Offering Guide
Howard County older residents, if you are looking something to keep you active and engaged during this time, I encourage you to check out our Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of Aging and Independence (OAI) monthly Virtual Offering Guides! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, OAI has been working hard to provide older residents with various activities, from exercise and cooking classes to social engagement and lifelong learning classes, to help keep you moving, cooking and staying social while at home. You can find OAI’s January Virtual Offering Guide online for a list of this month’s offerings. For questions, contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Fire and Rescue |
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Preventing Brush Fires
Following Thursday’s brush fire along westbound I-70 before Marriottsville Road, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is reminding us that we can help prevent brush fires: (1) by making sure smoking materials are discarded properly in a deep, sturdy ash tray away from anything flammable and (2) by making sure nothing is dragging from your vehicle to reduce the risk of sparks.
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Reducing the Risk of Hoarding
A message from HCDFRS’ Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. Do you have a person in your life who may be a hoarder? Hoarding is a condition where a person has persistent difficulty discarding personal possessions. The large amount of possessions fill the home and prevent the normal use of the space. Additionally, hoarding can also increase one’s fire risks and impact first responders responding to a call. If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding disorder, there are several ways that you can help:
- When speaking with someone who hoards, match the language of the person and avoid using derogatory terms, such as “junk” or “trash.” Focus on safety issues and small steps for addressing those issues instead of immediate, overwhelming cleanup.
- Install working smoke alarms in the home. Test them at least once a month.
- Make a home safety and escape plan. Stress the importance of clear pathways and exits.
- Lastly, if you need assistance with a hoarding situation in Howard County, HCDFRS at 410-313-6000. If you live outside of the county, please contact your local fire department to alert them of your concerns. They may be able to connect you with a hoarding task force for additional help.
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Department of Housing and Community Development
Moratorium Extension
The moratorium on evictions and foreclosures has been extended. President Biden has issued an executive order extending the moratorium on evictions for renters and foreclosures for homeowners with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which was originally set to expire at the end of this month, through March 31, 2021. This means that if you have a federally backed mortgage, you can’t be foreclosed on or evicted for not paying.
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MIHU January Open Enrollment Ending
If you are looking to call Howard County home, be sure you submit your application for our Department of Housing and Community Development's Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program January open enrollment period before the 5:00 p.m. deadline this Friday, January 29th. An inclusionary zoning program, MIHU offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Housing will not be hosting its regularly scheduled, in-person MIHU renter and homeownership informational workshops this month. Instead, the presentations from each of these informational workshops, as well as frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process, can be found online. For an application and/or to learn more about the MIHU program and MIHU homeownership and rental opportunities, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/MIHU_openenrollment. Held quarterly, Housing’s next MIHU enrollment period will be in April. So, don’t miss out on your change to call Howard County home, but applying today.
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Police Department
Public Help Needed
Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is seeking the public's help to identify suspect(s) involved in theft from vehicles in the Columbia area. HCPD is investigating at least 19 thefts that occurred in the overnight hours of January 19th and January 20th that police believe may be related. In some cases, like as seen in the video, the suspect(s) broke out car windows; in other cases, car doors were left unlocked. Victims reported that the suspect(s) stole various items from their vehicles. HCPD has located victims in neighborhoods off of MD 108 (Jericho Road, Ridermark Row, Silver Tree Place, Gaither Hunt Lane, Hesperus Drive, Castle Moor Drive and Columbia Road) and off of Cedar Lane (River Rock Way and Green Mill Way). Anyone with information is asked to contact HCPD at 410-313-STOP or HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov.
HCPD is REMINDING residents to NEVER leave anything of value in plain sight in your vehicle and always to lock your doors. While in some cases a thief will break a car window, in many cases they are deterred by locked doors.
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Department of Public Works
Virtual Public Meeting
Our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, February 9th starting at 7:00 p.m., to present plans for a stormwater pond retrofit project (Capital Project D-1177) in the vicinity of 10000 Junction Drive in Savage. To improve the stormwater management pond, DPW’s Stormwater Management Division plans to install a new concrete principal spillway pipe and riser structure, as well as a clay core and filter diaphragm in the pond embankment. In addition, storm drain inflows will be realigned and riprap will be placed along the inflows to reduce erosion and the outfall to reduce erosive velocities. This project is expected to begin in August 2021.
The informal meeting will include an overview of the design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant, Century Engineering, will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. To participate in the meeting by computer, go to www.webex.com and click “join;” the meeting number is 180 733 0650 and “stormwater” is the password. To participate by phone, call 1-650-479-3207 (note, fees may apply) and enter the access code 180 733 0650.
Those unable to participate in the virtual meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Ms. Michele Monde with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-0444 or email mmonde@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Public Works Construction Report
Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.
Elkridge
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Calvert Ridge Pond Repair (Capital Project D-1177) – Project to repair and improve a storm water management pond adjacent to 7078 Calvert Drive. Signs will be posted in the area to alert residents of the project; however, this project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late May 2021.
To learn about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.
If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) website and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.
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Department of Public Works – Bureau of Environmental Services
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Curbside Collection Season Ends
REMINDER: The County's yard trim curbside collection season has ended until the season resumes the first week of April. However, this does NOT apply to those households who participate in our Bureau of Environmental Services "Feed the Green Bin" program. Residents participating in this program receive year-round yard trim collection as part of the County’s food scrap curbside collection program. To learn more about our food scrap collection program and if you are eligible, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/feedthegreenbin. For more information about the County's yard trim collection program, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/yardtrim.
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Department of Recreation and Parks |
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New "Pix in Parks" Contest
There is just one more week left to participate in our Department of Recreation & Parks’ FIRST-EVER “Pix in Parks” contest. This family-friendly fun contest takes visitors on a scavenger hunt throughout Alpha Ridge Park in search of locations featured in mysterious photos to solve the hunt’s secret riddle! To be entered for your chance to win a weekly prize, be sure your submit your riddle answer to Recreation & Parks at https://tinyurl.com/pixinparksform. For complete contest rules and details, click HERE.
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Valentine’s Day Family Fun Kit
Share in the love this Valentine’s Day by grabbing a Valentine’s Day Family Fun Kit from our Recreation & Parks. On sale now at the Department’s North Laurel Community Center (NLCC), each kit is $35 and includes materials for two personal pizzas, sugar cookies, hot cocoa, a slime kit, crafts and more. You can also add materials for an additional participant for $15! Each kit must be picked up from NLCC between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 6th. To reserve your kit today, visit https://tinyurl.com/ValentinesKitNLCC.
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Virtual Holiday Mart Ending Soon
REMINDER: Recreation & Parks’ first-ever Virtual Holiday Mart will come to a close this Sunday, January 31st, so don’t miss out of this greatly opportunity to grab unique handcrafted items, including jewelry, candles, pottery and home décor, from these talented artisans.
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Improve Your Archery Skills
At one of our recent target archery instruction sessions at Recreation & Parks’ Gary J. Arthur Community Center, this father and son duo had fun hitting the target together. If you are interested in taking your archery skills to the next level, check out Recreation & Parks “Archery” website, www.howardcountymd.gov/archery, for upcoming dates.
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Office of Transportation
Virtual Public Meeting
This Thursday, January 28th, our Office of Transportation will be hosting a virtual public meeting to introduce its MD 103/104/108 Strategic Multimodal Corridor Study. The purpose of this study is to take a look at the transportation and access challenges facing county residents along the MD 103, MD 104 and MD 108 corridors. Through its study, Transportation will gather data and information and learn more about the impacts these challenges have on residents, in an effort to identify and prioritize bicycle, pedestrian, traffic operations and safety improvements.
Set to begin at 6:00 p.m., Thursday’s meeting will allow residents the opportunity to learn more about the study and provide feedback about the issues being explored. An interactive story map will also show the full study area, including information on traffic volumes, congestion, safety, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and transit. To participate in the meeting via WebEx, click HERE, or call 1-650-479-3207 (access code: 180 552 1823) to join by phone.
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