Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

O ur newsletter was all prepared with a nice paragraph about Women’s History Month and the suffragettes who worked so hard to obtain voting rights for women when the news about Coranavirus got more and more serious. In the last two days, the Governor, the Howard County Executive and the Howard County Council have issued guidelines, information about closings and postponements and recommendations about social distancing. So the story about the suffragettes will have to wait while we keep you updated about the latest local news regarding this exceptionally fast moving virus and the concerted effort we are making to protect the community.

COVID-19 Resources & Information There are more than a dozen cases of Coronavirus infections in Maryland and the numbers of positive cases continue to rise. Infections have been reported in Montgomery, Prince George's, Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil Counties as of March 13. The State recorded its first case of community transmission on March 12; this development triggered an increased response level of prevention, containment, and mitigation of the virus and its health consequences. Centers for Disease Control Howard County Health Department MD Department of Health The County has a special phone line (410-313-6284), which is staffed by an infectious disease nurse if you have virus related questions.

Howard County Council The County Council joins the State and the County in its efforts to contain and mitigate the public health threat posed by Covid-19 and is taking steps to minimize public congregation and exposure, particularly for our most vulnerable population.  The March 16 Legislative Public Hearing is POSTPONED.  Notice of the rescheduled date will be provided at a later time. The County Council encourages the public to continue to submit testimony on pending legislation by email or letter. As the Council works to maintain necessary government functions, the Council strongly requests that the general public refrain from attending its meetings in person and instead exercise one of these viewing options: streaming and TV broadcasting on Channel 99 (Comcast) and Channel 44 (Verizon).

State of Maryland The State is currently operating under its highest emergency level with the National Guard activated at its highest level of readiness in case there is a need for delivery of food or essential services. Mass gatherings of more than 250 people are prohibited at state facilities. State senior centers are closed as of March 13. Maryland State Department of Education State Superintendent Karen Salmon announced that all schools in Maryland will close starting on Monday, March 16 to March 27. Click here for more. Watch the Governor's press conference here .

Howard County Government The County Executive announced that gatherings, meetings, and events that are targeted or likely to attract one of the at-risk populations are cancelled for the next 45 days. This and other County Government announcements were presented at the March 13 press conference. Click here for more. Residents’ Budget Hearing The County Executive's public Budget Hearing will be held as a virtual hearing that can be viewed online on March 30 at 6pm. The hearing will be here . Residents who wish to testify can do so via web conferencing; sign up online here by 5pm on March 20. Those who sign up on-line will receive detailed instructions for virtual testimony.     Department of Recreations & Parks All large events, gatherings, programs, classes, and activities are cancelled. All parks will remain open. Click here for more. Department of Community Resources & Services 50+ Centers : All group programs, events and activities are suspended; refunds will be issued.  Starting March 16, all 50+ Centers will be closed. Meal Programs: Scheduled meal programs will be held at Bain, Ellicott City, and North Laurel. Other food access options will be developed for those who need it. Essential Services: Available by appointment for residents who express need for consultation. Services will be provided by phone and via the web, wherever possible.  Click here for more.

Howard County Health Department The Department is focused on protecting vulnerable groups, providing important health information in multiple languages, and providing coordination with relevant State Departments. Reduce Your Risk of Infection: Stay home when sick Use good cough etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; or cough/sneeze into your elbow.  Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Use social distancing when needed. Increase the distance (a six-foot buffer is recommended) between people in places where people commonly come into close contact. Avoid large gatherings, if possible. Clean frequently touched surfaces daily. Use soap and water or disinfectant with a label that says "EPA approved" for killing bacteria and viruses. Click here for more.

HCPSS Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon directed that all Maryland schools close March 13 at 6pm through March 29. Food Distribution: Free lunch and breakfast items will be available on weekdays, from March 17-27, 11:30am to 1:30pm, at the following locations: Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia Cradlerock Elementary School/Lake Elkhorn Middle School, 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia Laurel Woods Elementary School Parking Lot, 9250 North Laurel Road, Laurel Ducketts Lane Elementary School Parking Lot, 6501 Ducketts Lane, Elkridge Bushy Park Elementary School Parking Lot, 14601 Carrs Mill Road, Glenwood Monarch Mills Apartments, 7600 Monarch Mills Way, Columbia Forest Ridge Apartments, 5890 Stevens Forest Rd, Columbia

Howard Community College Spring break will  no longer  be held April 6–12. Spring break is now March 15–22, during which time the college will be closed, with campus access only for authorized employees. Classes are in session on Saturday, March 14. For March 23–29, credit and noncredit classes will be canceled. More details about this week for students, faculty, and staff will be forthcoming. Click here for more. Howard County Library System All branches will closed March 16-27. All fines on items due during this period will be waived. Battle of the Book is cancelled. Click here for access to e-books, online classes, and streaming media.

Keeping the Lights On BGE has announced that they want to help customers through temporary or extended financial hardships. They are suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment fees through at least May 1 and will be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options. Click here for more.

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