 March 15, 2020
 Click on the image or visit https://youtu.be/4f3D7YWiprE to view today's video briefing.
Dear Baltimoreans,
In preparation for possible spread of COVID-19, I have taken numerous executive actions to protect the health and well-being of Baltimore City residents.
Baltimore City received word from the State Department of Health Saturday night of our first confirmed positive case of the virus, and we are entering a new phase of this pandemic.
In advance of the spread of the virus, I ordered the cancellation of all events featuring 250 people or more, and released guidance for organizers of events under 250 people. My order was in line with Governor Hogan's Executive Order.
I also worked to suspend all turn-offs for water service, and bring a temporary halt to evictions.
Starting tomorrow, I have ordered the following:
- All Senior Centers and Recreation Centers will suspend programs. These centers will be kept open as food distribution hubs
- The City of Baltimore has activated sheltering in place for our homeless neighbors. City-funded homeless day centers will remain open. The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services, the Baltimore City Health Department and the Department of General Services are working to identify a site for community quarantining should our city require it
- The City of Baltimore will only accept payments online and by mail. We will suspend late fees through at least May 1st. Payment windows at the Abel Wolman Building will be closed until further notice
- The City of Baltimore will only accept permit applications online. This includes: The Department of Transportation, Recreation & Parks, Health Department, Department of Public Works and Department of Housing & Community Development
- All licenses that expire March 5, and after are extended until 30 days after the end of Maryland's State of Emergency, in line with the Governor’s order for the state
- The City of Baltimore is suspending in person services at the City's Career and Youth Opportunity Centers. Our staff will provide services and appointments by telephone
- Effective Wednesday, March 18, all Baltimore City employees designated as "tele-work eligible" will be required to work from home or remote locations until further notice. I have directed our HR professionals to work with managers to identify eligible employees and coordinate with the City's technology office to ensure technology needs are met
In addition, all city employee work related travel is suspended until further notice.
I implore everyone to take care of your neighbors and remember we have a duty to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
The most important thing you can do to reduce the spread of the virus is to stay home and maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing when you're out in public.
Sincerely,
Mayor Young
Closures and Cancellations
Pratt Library to Close to the Public
The Enoch Pratt Free Library will close 22 locations to the public from March 14 to March 30. This is on the advice of health officials to promote social distancing. The health and well-being of customers and staff remains the top priority.
“This is an incredibly difficult decision because we know how many customers rely on our libraries,” says Pratt Library President and CEO Heidi Daniel. “We are working with the city to determine how our building could be utilized by emergency responders.”
The Pratt will continue to provide online resources to the public throughout this time. Telephone reference service will continue to be available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All renewals are waived and cards will remain active. If customers already have library books, they do not need to return them until the Pratt returns to normal business hours.
The Pratt Library will continue to work closely with the Mayor's Office and Baltimore City Health Department to reassess the situation in the coming weeks.
Baltimore City Public Schools to Close from March 16 to March 27, 2020
At the direction of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), all public schools in the state including Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) will close all campuses effective March 16, 2020 to March 27, 2020. All school building activities including school day instruction, child care, health services, enrichment, professional development, athletics and club sports, preschool are canceled during this time.
City Schools will also operate an emergency food service program at least eight sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, through Friday, March 20, 2020. Students will be able to receive grab-and-go free breakfast and lunch meals. The sites will be announced by Sunday, March 15, 2020 and will be listed on the Health Updates webpage. More information
City Orders Suspension of City-Operated Senior Center Buildings
Effective immediately, all discretionary activities are temporarily suspended for older adults, including all programming at the seven City-operated senior center buildings. These programs include all special events, class activities and vocational trips involving older adults. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at the highest risk for serious illness of COVID-19.
The City-operated senior centers will remain staffed to assist older adults and continue to provide meals, supplies, and information and referral services to those who need it. Planned activities involving mass gatherings, trips and classes will be suspended.
Starting Monday, March 16, 2020, the Baltimore City Health Department will provide boxed lunches at congregate meal sites to allow participants the choice to take their meals home to eat. If there are factors that prevent participants from picking up a meal, meals can be delivered as an option by calling the Maryland Access Point at 410-396-CARE (2273), for eligibility into the home-delivered meal program. More information
Maryland Courts Suspend Jury Trials Through April 3rd
All civil and criminal jury trials in the Circuit Courts throughout the state of Maryland scheduled to begin on March 16, 2020, through April 3, 2020, shall be suspended on an emergency basis pending further Order of the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals.
Speedy Trial
Maryland Rule 4-271 requires that the trial of a criminal defendant be held within 180 days after the earlier of the appearance of counsel or the first appearance of the defendant before the circuit court. In criminal matters with jury trials pending during the above time period, county administrative judges shall hold hearings as necessary to resolve Maryland Rule 4-271 issues in individual cases and to set a new trial date. More information
Baltimore City Department of Human Resources Releases Emergency Coronavirus Plan
This week, the Baltimore City Department of Human Resources released an emergency coronavirus plan outlining staffing strategies, tools, advice, and directives that City agencies should follow in the event of a coronavirus outbreak or other emergency in the city. The 32-page plan details steps that city agencies are required or advised to take to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak. More information
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