Howard County COVID-19 Update

November 24, 2020

Dear Friends,

As was largely anticipated, we have seen a dramatic increase in COVID-19 spread throughout our community and it is up to all of us to change these trends. As of 9:00 a.m. today and according to the Maryland Department of Health, our 7-day average positivity rate is at 4.89% and our average case count per 100,000 of our population is 26.45. While we are among the lower third of jurisdictions in positivity rates, it has significantly increased from 2.57% this time last month.

At the Howard County General Hospital, our unit utilization rates are 54.5% in our ICU Unit, 82.5% in our Acute Care Unit, and 21.3% of our ventilators are in use. Today, there are 34 COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care units and 48 beds are available in both units. As we see more hospitalizations on the rise, we are in a heightened monitoring state.

At this point there is widespread community transmission of COVID-19, and every individual action we take is vital to controlling and limiting the further spread of this virus. Effective Friday, November 27th, at 5:00 p.m., our social gathering limits will include weddings, recreational sports and programs, and social/fraternal organizations and association clubs. Additionally, the Department of Recreation & Parks is canceling all upcoming tournaments, and any other programs subject to change will be posted online here.

The alarms are sounding, and if you haven’t already, please rethink any plans to host or attend a large gathering with family and friends. Especially with the upcoming holidays, it is critical for all our residents to understand the importance of mitigation measures like wearing a mask, keeping their distance, and washing their hands frequently.

Read more about our announcement here. For more data and COVID-19 information, please click here.

Community Updates

Recreation & Parks Updates

In response to rising COVID-19 cases, Howard County Recreation & Parks indoor programs and rentals will be limited to 10 or fewer people beginning Friday, November 27 at 5pm.

All outdoor sports facilities, athletic fields, playgrounds, courts and skate parks are limited to 25 people or less. For sports participants, only one parent or guardian is allowed to be in attendance. Each parent or guardian must wear a mask and may not enter the playing field. All players and coaches must wear a mask when entering and exiting the park and field.

All sports tournaments have been cancelled.

The Worthington Dog Park will be limited to 25 visitors per field (the park has two fields). All visitors to the park must wear a mask at all times.

Our RecZone child care program and school-related services will operate with a 15 person limit per room and will follow strict COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC and Howard County Office of Child Care.

Please note that our parks and facilities will remain open at this time. All programs subject to change will be posted online here.

Second Round of HoCo RISE Business Grants

The HoCo RISE Collaborative provides us an opportunity to dive deeper into the implications of this pandemic on all facets of our community and identify best practices as we restore and reimagine how to emerge from these challenging times. As we see increasing cases here and around the country, it’s also critical that we sustain our public health response and support economic activity.

The deadline to apply is November 29th at 11:59 p.m.

With this second round of HoCo RISE business grants, we are expanding our original scope and providing additional funds to our local small businesses. To Learn more and to apply for a grant, please visit EDA's website here.

Congrats Hudson Coastal!

Congratulations to Hudson Coastal on their four year anniversary. We are so grateful for our local restaurants who contribute greatly to Howard County’s diverse culinary scene. I strongly encourage us all to continue supporting our small restaurants and businesses, especially as we continue to combat COVID-19.

Special thank you to Tricia and Brad Hudson for their continued contributions to our community. To see their menu and to order carry out, please visit their website here.

Wear a Mask

Face coverings not only protects yourself, but also those around you. The Governor's mask mandate is still in effect throughout the State of Maryland. Please continue to wear a face covering when in public areas, where it's not feasible to physically distance, and when you're around anyone outside of your household.

If we all work together – even when we’re apart – we can keep one another safe.

Thanksgiving Guidance

As we plan our holiday celebrations, it's important that we take precautionary measures to keep each other safe. This Thanksgiving, please avoid large family gatherings, avoid traveling, and please wear a face covering, to protect yourself and those around you.

Our ability to prevent large outbreaks this winter hinges on adhering to the recommendations from institutions like the CDC and public health officials.

This year, we celebrate apart so that next year, we can celebrate together. To read the CDC's updated guidance, please click here.

Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway

I was pleased to join the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services at their annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway. Over 800 boxes of food were distributed at the Long Reach Village Center, Elkridge 50+ Center, North Laurel 50+ Center and Howard Crossing Apartment Homes in Ellicott City.

This Thanksgiving, as many residents are spending it apart from their families, it's important that everyone has access to a warm meal. By working together, we are ensuring that this holiday season, no family goes without important resources.

Additional Rental Assistance

As we continue to battle the second wave of this virus, we must put into place adequate support programs and infrastructure to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Howard County will receive an additional $2 million in Community Development Block Grant funding from Maryland to prevent evictions.

With more than 23,000 renters in the county, the need for rental assistance and eviction prevention has exceeded the already $3.5 million in relief we’ve allocated to date. I’m thankful to the Governor for providing this additional funding to ensure that our residents stay safe and housed for the next several months.

Read more here.

Rental Assistance

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 that we can to keep people safely housed.

A second round of HoCo RISE rental assistance funding is currently available, providing an additional $800,000 in CARES Act funds to support residents struggling to pay rent due to the pandemic. 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.

Food Distribution Map

Since the beginning of this pandemic, more than 46,000 Howard County residents have filed for unemployment or pandemic assistance, it’s clear access to food and groceries is one of the most urgent needs our residents are facing.

We’ve seen our community organizations, non-profits, and neighbors step-up to support one another, and we saw an opportunity to make it easier for folks to find what they need. This map clearly shows the daily options for groceries, food pantries, and meal pickups, and will hopefully reduce the stress for many people trying to figure out where to find the resources they need.

Visit the map today here.

Government Updates

What’s Open and Closed this Thanksgiving Holiday and Friday, November 27^th

Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, Recreation & Parks’ community and athletic centers, activity rooms and historic sites, and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed this Thursday, November 26^th in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. As there will be no curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on Thanksgiving Day, the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week. County park gates will be open on the 26^th; however, there will be no staff on duty. Additionally, the County’s 50+ centers remain closed at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

County government offices, courts, historic sites and animal shelter will remain closed on Friday, November 27th; however, county parks and the Alpha Ridge Landfill (with modified operations) will re-open. Also, while Recreation & Parks community and athletic centers and activity rooms will be closed on the 27^th to the general public, they will be open for scheduled special or permit-approved events that day.

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) buses will not run on Thanksgiving Day; they will resume a regular weekday schedule on Friday, November 27th. For more information on RTA services, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. Also, parking fees will not be enforced on November 26th, but will be in effect on the 27th.

The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 and for non-emergencies, call 410-313-2200.

County operations will resume on Monday, November 30th at regular business hours. Please keep in mind, while most County Government buildings remain closed to the public at this time, several Recreation & Parks facilities and historic sites have reopened with limited hours.

Budget Department

Resident's Budget Hearing

I invite you to join me and members of my administration on Wednesday, December 9^th at 6:00 p.m., for my first Resident’s Budget Hearing for our Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget cycle. We welcome your comments regarding Howard County’s spending priorities as we begin to prepare both the County’s operating and capital budgets for FY22, which runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s budget hearing will be held virtually and can be watched live from the County Council’s streaming website; see “Upcoming Events.”

Starting this Wednesday, November 25^th, residents looking to speak at the hearing will be able to sign-up online at www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony. Speakers must sign-up individually, and one person may not sign-up for several testifiers. Additionally, individual testimony is limited to three minutes and group testimony is limited to five. Speakers who have a document or record they wish to submit with their testimony are asked to email the file to budgettestimony@howardcountymd.gov, with “BUDGET TESTIMONY” in the subject line.

Also, from the budget testimony webpage, residents will be able to provide online budget testimony; however, please keep in mind, internet testimony is considered public information and, as such, is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act.

This year has been unprecedented in many ways, and our upcoming budget season will be no exception. The ongoing pandemic has caused serious economic consequences and challenges for our fiscal outlook. That is why it is so important we hear from our residents, learn their concerns and gather their input on the county’s priorities as we prepare for this upcoming fiscal year.

Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS)

ADA Art Contest

There is just one week left to submit your entries for our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) and our Commission on Disabilities 2020 Art Contest. Launched in celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DCRS and the Commission are calling upon Howard County artists young and old to submit an original piece of artwork (up to two pieces allowed) that depicts some aspect of the contest theme: “ADA30 · Disability · Equity · Inclusion · One County · Accessible to All.” The theme commemorates this landmark piece of legislation, which guarantees people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in all aspects of American life.

To learn more about this Art Contest and for complete contest rules and entry form, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/ADA today. All artwork and entry forms must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m., Monday, November 30^th.

Office on Aging and Independence

DCRS OAI continues to work hard to offer our older residents the resources they need to remain active and engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic. From exercise, cooking, social engagement and lifelong learning classes, there is something to help get you moving, get cooking and stay social this 2020. Check out OAI’s November Virtual Offering Guide for this month’s activities or visit OAI’s website to learn more about its services. For questions, contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.

Project Holiday

Help DCRS spread holiday cheer this year by dropping off a new, unwrapped gift at one of three convenient locations set up throughout the county, now through December 7^th. DCRS’ Office of Aging and Independence (OAI) is collecting new gifts to help brighten the holidays for our low-income seniors. DCRS’ Office of Children and Families is also gathering new gifts for families with children ages 0 to 5 years old in need. The wish list for children and adults includes body lotion, body wash, books (ages 0-5), deodorant, hair brushes, hair conditioner, scarves, shampoo, shaving cream, slipper socks, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletry gift sets, throw blankets and toys (ages 0-5). Financial donations are also being accepted. For more information, click HERE. We sincerely thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Master Plan Task Force

Our Housing Opportunities Master Plan Task Force was created to identify Howard County’s housing affordability issues and offer holistic and sustainable strategies to address them. As part of its Housing Opportunities Master Plan draft process, the Task Force is seeking public feedback regarding its draft recommendations. In addition to the two virtual Open House events the Task Force hosted earlier this month, the Task Force is also providing residents the opportunity to offer feedback via an online survey, available through Monday, November 30^th, or by emailing the Task Force at housingtaskforce@howardcountymd.gov.

To review the Task Force’s draft recommendations, for more information and/or questions, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/housingtaskforce or contact Housing at 410-313-6318 or housingtaskforce@howardcountymd.gov.

Office of Human Rights

Native American Heritage Month

All November long, our Office of Human Rights (OHR) has been celebrating Native American Heritage Month by paying tribute to the rich ancestry, cultures and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives through a variety of virtual programs and activities. With the month of November coming to a close, there is still time to learn how to cook Mohawk Akwesasne Corn Soup for Thanksgiving with Bonnie Hart (St. Regis Mohawk) tomorrow, November 24^th, or take part in the “We Are Still Here” panel discussion, featuring Native American equity workers, artists and community leaders conversing about Native American cultural resilience, civil rights and the survival of Indigenous communities, on the 30^th.

For more information, click HERE or contact OHR at 410-313-6430 or email OHRoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.

Police Department

Information Needed

Our Howard County Police Department (HCPD) continues to seek the public's help to locate a dark-colored sedan, small SUV or crossover vehicle with front-end damage, including the driver’s side headlight, that investigators believe struck a 17-year-old girl on MD 108 just east of Phelps Luck Drive in Columbia, around 1:36 a.m. on November 1^st. Sadly, the victim has succumbed to her injuries and passed away.

If you spot this vehicle, please make note of the license plate and contact police immediately at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov. This investigation is ongoing and HCPD is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information in the case.

Department of Public Works – Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects that have been announced.

Elkridge

Furnace Avenue Sewer and Manhole – Developer project to install a sewer and manhole near 5635 Furnace Avenue. During the project, Furnace Avenue between Bushwacker Way and Railroad Avenue will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Vehicular traffic will follow a clearly marked detour using Main Street and Railroad Avenue. Signs will be posted at the project site to advise motorists and pedestrians of the road closure. Additionally, a recorded message at 410-313-3639 will carry project updates.Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed within one week.

Ellicott City

Old Mill Road Sewer Extension (Capital Project S-6699) – Project to connect 9934 Old Mill Road to the County’s public sewer main. The project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic; however, signs will be in place to advise motorists and pedestrians of the project. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid-December.

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.

Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services

REMINDER: This Thursday's Thanksgiving Day holiday is one of six holidays that affects the County’s curbside trash, recycling, food scrap and yard trim collection program. As such, the County’s holiday slide schedule will be IN EFFECT next Thursday, November 26^th as there will be no curbside collection on Thanksgiving Day. Thursday’s collection will slide to Friday and Friday to Saturday.

If you are wondering what the other five holidays are, check out the County's holiday slide schedule website at www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule.

Department of Recreation & Parks

Scavenger Hunt

Have you figued out who “ClueDunit” it yet in Historic Ellicott City? With just a week to go int Recreation & Parks family-friendly scavenger hunt, there is still time to seek out the clues along Ellicott City’s Main Street to crack the case and determine who stole the (figurative) award-winning sculpture that was put on display in downtown Ellicott City and mysteriously went missing. For a game map, checklist, complete contest rules and more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/cluedunit.

Once done, be sure to submit your findings to Recreation & Parks so that your team will be entered to win prizes drawn randomly each week.

Take Nature Home Holiday Kits

This holiday season bring all the educational fun of Robinson Nature Center home with its “Take Nature Home Holiday Kits.” Each educator-curated kit includes instructions and materials for a morning of fun, nature-inspired adventures. Winter 2020 kits include: North Pole Exploration with the Five Senses (geared toward 3 to 5-year old’s); Tis’ the Sweet Season (for 4 to 10-year old’s); and Nature’s Spa Kit (for 11 and older). To purchase your kit today (kits must be purchased by December 5^th), visit https://tinyurl.com/HolidayKitsRNC or call 410-313-0400.

Holidays Around the World Program

Have you ever wondered how the holiday season is celebrated across the globe? On Wednesdays in December, head over to Waverly Mansion for its Living History and Heritage Program’s Time Traveling Kids: Holidays Around the World program. Each week, participants age eight to 12 years old, will discover how familiar (and not-so-familiar) holidays are celebrated in countries such as India, Sweden, Mexico and Italy. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/TimeTravelingKidsHolidays.

Office of Transportation

Transportation Town Hall Recap

In case you missed my Transportation Town Hall last week, you can watch it HERE or find a recap of the discussion, plus the presentation slides, online. In short, I was joined by officials from our Department of Public Works, Office of Transportation and Police Department, as well as the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), to address current trends in transportation safety and commuting, shared the status of priority projects to improve intersections and complete sidewalks, discussed RTA capital investments, improvements and the implementation of its real-time bus arrival information system, and more.