News From Annapolis | October 7, 2020
Delegate Susan Krebs, District 5
Please forward this email to your family and friends.
In This Issue:
  • Governor Hogan's working to reopen our state

  • Child Care Capacity Restrictions Lifted

  • Indoor Visitation Can Resume at Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

  • Election Information - It's Not Too Late to Register!
How can I vote? Where can I drop off my ballot?

  • Carroll County Grant Awarded for Program Open Space

  • COVID-19 Resources

  • Reminder! Get Your Flu Shot!
Greetings!

We are making progress:

The events over the past week at the White House have put the spotlight on COVID-19 and how quickly and randomly the virus can spread, and also puts a spotlight on the many treatments now available to successfully combat this pandemic. We wish President Trump and the First Lady, as well as everyone who has contracted the virus, a speedy and safe recovery.
 
The 3 W's can make a big difference in controlling #COVID19:
Wear a mask in public, Wash your hands, Watch your distance.

As the health metrics improve, we are thrilled that our Carroll County Board of Education is working hard to safely reopen our schools, our youth are engaging in youth sports, and families will finally be able to visit their loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We are also pleased that the State Superintendent of Schools has finally removed the restrictions on capacities for child care facilities- which is an important step in meeting the needs of working families.
 
Please continue to use common sense and stay safe and healthy,
 
Susan
Governor Hogan's Announcements
Data-driven steps to continue moving forward with the state’s safe, effective, and gradual reopening plans
Indoor Visitation Can Resume at
Nursing Home Facilities
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can begin allowing limited indoor visitation, as well as compassionate care visits to support residents who may require emotional and spiritual support. To qualify, facilities must have no active cases in the last 14 days and no outbreak testing in progress.

The state will commit an additional $6 million to help facilities cover the cost of nursing home staff testing. On August 5, 130 Maryland nursing homes had active COVID-19 cases; as of October 1, that number has decreased to 76. This represents a decline of 41.5%.

Child Care Ratios Expanded
Child care providers in Maryland are now able to return to the full teacher to child ratios and capacities for which they are licensed. Child care centers can now serve up to 20 three- and four-year-olds in a room with a ratio of 1 teacher to 10 students and up to 30 school-age students with a ratio of 1 teacher to 15 students. Providers must continue to follow all appropriate public health and safety guidance. Read More.
Election 2020
Board of Election News
and Information:


  • Are You Ready to Vote? Deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 13



  • I need a mail-in ballot - October 20 - Deadline for Board of Elections to receive applications for mail-in ballots.

  • 2020 Election Information If a voter sends an application for a mail-in ballot, they will not be eligible to vote a regular ballot in-person. They will be required to vote a provisional ballot. Ballots were mailed in late-September. All applications and all ballots will be sent with a pre-paid postage envelope for easy return. If a voter does not wish to return by mail, drop boxes will be available.

  • All Carroll County voters will be mailed a sample ballot before early voting.

  • Early Voting will be held from Monday, October 26-Monday, November 2 from 7am-8pm every day, including Saturday and Sunday. It will be located at the Westminster Senior Center and South Carroll Swim Club.

  • Election Day will be on Tuesday, November 3 from 7am-8pm. A limited number of vote centers will be available. Voters in Carroll County can go to any of these sites to vote on election day.

  • Francis Scott Key High School
  • Liberty High School
  • Manchester Valley High School
  • Old New Windsor Community Room
  • North Carroll Middle School
  • Parr’s Ridge Elementary School
  • Pleasant Valley Fire Hall
  • Sandymount Elementary
  • South Carroll High School
  • South Carroll Swim Club
  • Westminster Senior Center
  • Winter’s Mill High School
If you want to ensure that your mail-in ballot gets to the Board of Elections on time, consider using the local Drop Boxes.


Drop boxes will be available through 8pm on Tuesday, November 3 every day, 24 hours a day. They are located at:



Board of Elections Office - 300 S Center St. Westminster, MD 21157
Liberty High School - 5855 Bartholow Rd. Sykesville, MD 21784
North Carroll Senior Center - 2328 Hanover Pike Hampstead, MD 21074
Taneytown Police Station - 120 E Baltimore St. Taneytown, MD 21787
South Carroll Swim Club - 1900 W Liberty Rd. Westminster, MD 21157
Westminster Senior Center - 125 Stoner Ave. Westminster, MD 21157

PLEASE MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU FOLLOW ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS ON YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT AND
SIGN THE ENVELOPE.

Once your application is submitted, you can 
Carroll County Obtains Grants
Grant for $170,292.42 for the acquisition of a 45.17 acre conservation easement in the Upper Patapsco Rural Legacy Area (Patton property). Acquisition of this easement will protect productive agricultural and forest lands, as well as provide 2,100 linear feet of grassed and forested stream buffers along unnamed tributaries of the South Branch of the Gunpowder Falls.
COVID-19 Resources
Enroll in health coverage. From now until Dec. 15, you can sign up for health insurance using Maryland Health Connection, our state’s health insurance marketplace. To enroll, visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov, download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app, or call 855-642-8572.
Governor Hogan has renewed the State of Emergency. 
You can read the Proclamation here. 
Protect Yourself
Getting a flu shot is important every year, but this winter there is added urgency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You may now text to 9-1-1 anywhere in Maryland in case of emergency!
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