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Council President Scott at Preakness, May 18, 2019.
Dear Baltimore,
As we continue social distancing through this beautiful weekend, I wanted to give you a quick recap of the past week.
On Monday, I presided over another virtual meeting of the City Council where we passed the Baltimore City COVID-19 Renter Relief Act (Bill 20-0526). This legislation that I introduced at the April 27 City Council meeting, will prohibit landlords from announcing rent increases during a declared state of emergency and within the 90-day period after the state of emergency is lifted. If enacted, the legislation would also prohibit fees for late payment or no payment of rent, as well as all rent increases scheduled to take place during the state of emergency.
I also introduced two pieces of legislation at the Council meeting. The first, Ordinance 20-0532: Temporary Street Space for Pedestrians and Cyclists, requires the Department of Transportation to provide additional street space to pedestrians and cyclists during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow Baltimoreans more room for social distancing as essential workers commute and as residents enjoy the short and long-term health benefits of being outdoors.
The second piece of legislation, Resolution 20-0224R: Request for State Action - Override Veto on House Bill 1300 - Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - Implementation, calls on the Maryland General Assembly to override Governor Hogan’s veto of House Bill 1300 - Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - Implementation, which would have protected the educational rights and the future of all of Maryland’s students through funding and education reform.
Again, you can re-watch the City Council Meeting online on CharmTV’s youtube page.
On Wednesday, in a huge victory for our children, the Board of Estimates, chaired by me, unanimously approved a $3 million transfer from the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund to Baltimore City Schools for distance learning technology in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency. This comes after I called for the use of the Children & Youth Fund to meet the technology needs of students who are now expected to learn at home but do not have the basic equipment to do so.
Lastly, on Friday I held an emergency press conference regarding the whereabouts of Baltimore City's ballots for the upcoming Primary Election on June 2, 2020. As the election will be conducted primarily via mail, it is concerning that voters across Maryland, including in Baltimore County, have received their ballots, but not here in Baltimore City. With the June 2nd Primary two weeks away and growing concern among the public, I called on the State Board of Elections and the Baltimore City Board of Elections to provide a status update on Baltimore's ballots. I am eager to share a response with you all once I receive one.
This upcoming week will be another busy one as we continue to map out Baltimore's road to recovery from COVID-19, and I look forward to keeping you all involved and updated as we continue to move our city forward.
As always, remember that my office is here to help and answer your questions: 410-396-4804 and councilpresident@baltimorecity.gov. I will continue to share updated information about food distribution, senior services, City Schools, and more on my social media @CouncilPresBMS.
Continue looking out for your neighbors and supporting one another.
In service,
Brandon Scott
Baltimore City Council President
See information and updates on the Baltimore City Council's website: bit.ly/cpbms-covid
Confirmed Coronavirus Cases in Maryland:
As of Saturday morning, there are 37,968 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland, with a total of 1,842 deaths statewide.
Baltimore City has a total of 3,719 confirmed cases and 192 out of the 1,842 COVID-related deaths. Again, these numbers will continue to grow as more people in the city and state are tested. The current breakdown of COVID-19 cases in by county in Maryland is as follows:
| County |
Cases |
Deaths |
|
| Allegany |
160 |
(13) |
|
| Anne Arundel |
2,801 |
(133) |
|
| Baltimore City |
3,719 |
(192) |
|
| Baltimore County |
4,549 |
(223) |
|
| Calvert |
237 |
(12) |
|
| Caroline |
200 |
|
|
| Carroll |
633 |
(66) |
|
| Cecil |
308 |
(17) |
|
| Charles |
844 |
(60) |
|
| Dorchester |
111 |
(2) |
|
| Frederick |
1,402 |
(82) |
|
| Garrett |
7 |
|
|
| Harford |
678 |
(30) |
|
| Howard |
1,352 |
(41) |
|
| Kent |
138 |
(14) |
|
| Montgomery |
7,988 |
(423) |
|
| Prince George's |
11,031 |
(399) |
|
| Queen Anne's |
112 |
(9) |
|
|
| St. Mary's |
306 |
(10) |
|
| Somerset |
55 |
|
|
|
| Talbot |
68 |
(1) |
|
| Washington |
332 |
(9) |
|
| Wicomico |
801 |
(20) |
|
| Worcester |
136 |
(4) |
|
| Data Not Available |
|
(82) |
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Governor Hogan has also pushed for COVID-19 stats on Nursing Homes. These statistics are now accessible to the public at: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/hcf-resources
Monday's City Council Meeting
The City Council will hold its another Virtual City Council Meeting on Monday, May 18 at 5 PM. View the draft agenda here to see what is slated for introduction and advancement through the legislative process. You can watch Monday's meeting live on CharmTV from your computer or device.
 Baltimore COVID-19 Asset Map
Information is coming out fast from multiple sources and ever-changing. I've compiled essential Baltimore COVID-19 resources into a user-friendly asset map.
As of today, over 100 sites have been updated to stay current with all of the changes as this pandemic continues.
Use the map to find youth & senior food sites, health care clinics, and shopping options for seniors and people with compromised immune systems.
 City Council Virtual Hearings
This week, the City Council will continue to hold hearings virtually, via the WebEx platform. Members of the public will be able to participate virtually during the public comment period as they would in person. You may find the latest Baltimore City Council Virtual Hearing Schedule (updated this week), as well as access information for each hearing at this link. There are upcoming hearings on topics including:
- Wednesday, 5/20 @ 1PM— Baltimore City Critical Area Management Program, Land Use Committee
- Thursday, 5/21 @ 1:05PM— Charter Amendment - Tenant Legal Assistance Fund, Equity and Structure Committee
- Wednesday, 5/27 @ 3PM— Budget Oversight Hearings for Baltimore City Public Schools, Budget and Appropriations Committee
Please note, the "Du" Burns Council Chambers will be closed to the public for all hearings.
Senior Centers Closed - Will Provide Boxed Lunches
All City-operated senior centers are closed. The Health Department will provide boxed lunches at the senior centers. 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. Click here for more information.
 Grocery Shopping for Seniors & People with Compromised Immune Systems
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Giant Food of Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Delaware will offer dedicated shopping hours for senior citizens 60-and-older and individuals with compromised immune systems. Every store in their operating areas will reserve 6-7AM, every day of the week for this vulnerable population to shop and practice social distancing. The stores will operate on regular hours of operation during all other times.
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Klein Family ShopRite stores have waived the ShopRite From Home fee and delivery fees for seniors 65 and older, and healthcare workers. If you fall into one of these categories, please make a note in the provided notes section when you place your order.
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SafeWay will have special hours for Seniors to shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9AM.
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Aldi will have special hours for Seniors to shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9AM.
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WholeFoods will allow shoppers over 60 to come to the store at 7AM, which is one hour before opening to the general public.
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Walmart will have special hours for Seniors to shop on Tuesdays from 6AM-7AM.
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Redner’s Market will be open daily to Seniors from 6AM-7:30AM.
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BJ’s Wholesale Club will be open daily to Seniors from 8AM-9AM.
 Meal Distribution Sites
City Schools continues to provide grab-n-go meals to all Baltimore children and youth (18 and under) at 18 meal sites. The meals will be available from 10am-2pm and children and adults can each receive 4 meals/person.
Visit www.bmorechildren.com for more information on daily meal sites and times.
  Unemployment Insurance
The Maryland Department of Labor has launched a new unemployment insurance application called the Beacon One-Stop.Starting today, all newly eligible Marylanders can file unemployment insurance claims entirely online — including those who are self-employed, gig workers, and those who previously filed by phone.
 Small Business Support
Our small businesses are important to us and I know how tough a time this is for them. The Baltimore Development Corporation is coordinating with city and state agencies & the federal government to identify resources available for businesses. Let them know how you are being affected by taking their business impact survey: bit.ly/2wc7hXG
BDC launched baltimoretogether.com to serve as a repository of information and a resource for residents and businesses. The website will be continuously updated, so if you would like to suggest a resource, please email info@BaltimoreDevelopment.com.
Small businesses can now apply for SBA emergency loans with 30-year terms, for up to $2 million (depending on your circumstance/collateral). If you prepaid sales and use taxes for March you can also qualify for a refund. For more information, email taxpayerrelief@marylandtaxes.gov or call 410-260-4020.
The Baltimore Development Corporation is also now accepting grant applications for the Small Business Assistance Fund until May 15, 2020 at 11:59 PM.
Intimate Partner Violence
 Baltimore Artist Emergency Relief Fund
Baltimore’s artistic community keeps our city vibrant and creative with art and performances that can inspire, uplift and spark community change. Like many others at this time, our artistic community is experiencing a devastating economic impact due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) crisis. As Baltimore’s Arts Council, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is committed to providing necessary economic support and guidance to artists, especially in times like these. As we look toward recovery, we will need our artists’ creativity and commitment to keep us moving forward.
The Baltimore Artist Emergency Relief Fund is a coalition-led initiative designed to provide direct assistance to Baltimore-based artists and creative entrepreneurs who have lost income due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The application and detailed criteria are available HERE
 Water Billing Updates
DPW recently announced that after a hiatus due to COVID-19, water billing resumed on Friday, May 8th. Residents may use their last bill received as a guide for this billing cycle. Residents are also advised that water bills in May may be greater than normal to cover March and April. Please visit https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/ for more information.
BH2O Water Assistance Program
The Emergency COVID-19 Discount is a temporary relief program the city is offering to unemployed water account holders. Find more details here, and complete the BH2O and Water Discount online application here.
  Upcoming Elections:
The Primary Election for citywide offices and the Presidency, originally scheduled for April 28, will now take place on June 2, 2020. On Friday, Governor Hogan announced that the primary election would primarily take place by mail with at least one in-person voting site per county. More details can be found at boe.baltimorecity.gov/
To request an absentee ballot, visit this website.
 Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines
My office made a guide for the proper use and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks. They should always be placed in the nearest trash can. Proper use and disposal helps us reduce cross contamination and the spread of COVID-19.
  Handwashing Guidelines
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
Follow these five steps every time.
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Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
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Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
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Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
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Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
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Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Multilingual COVID-19 Resources & Fact Sheets
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Latest Updates on the Coronavirus
Baltimore City Health Department Updates
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates
Baltimore City Schools Health Updates
Get Insured
Information about the Special Healthcare Enrollment Period
Find a Primary Health Clinic (For Uninsured Residents)
Follow for Direct Updates
Baltimore City Health Department
health.baltimorecity.gov
Twitter: @BMore_Healthy
Baltimore City Public Schools
www.baltimorecityschools.org/health-updates
Twitter: @BaltCitySchools
Office of Emergency Management
emergency.baltimorecity.gov
Twitter: @BaltimoreOEM
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