 Montgomery County leads the state in confirmed COVID-19 cases with 255 cases as of Saturday, March 28. Earlier in the week, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan closed nonessential businesses and the State Superintendent of Maryland Schools extended school closings for an additional four weeks. County Executive Elrich says residents need to remember that social distancing remains a key factor in slowing the spread of the virus.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Personnel Test Positive for COVID-19
Four Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) personnel have tested positive for COVID-19. None of the four cases, which involve career and volunteer members, have originated from contacts at work.
To date, 19 members of MCFRS have been quarantined. MCFRS has plans in place to keep staffing to appropriate levels should additional personnel be affected by COVID-19.
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Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services Employee Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Hampden Lane Liquor & Wine Store Temporarily Closed
Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) reported that the Hampden Lane Liquor & Wine store in Bethesda is temporarily closed after a County employee tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The employee became ill on Wednesday, March 25 and subsequently tested positive for the virus.
According to public health officials, anyone who visited Hampden Lane Liquor & Wine, 4920 Hampden Lane in Bethesda on March 23 or 24 is advised to monitor their temperature and watch for respiratory symptoms. If you have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, or respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, contact your health care provider.
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Staff Members and Residents Test Positive for COVID-19; Nursing Homes Enhance Infection Control Procedures
Three nursing homes in Montgomery County are enhancing infection control procedures after staff members and residents tested positive for COVID-19.
Brighton Gardens on Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda, Fox Chase Rehab and Nursing in Silver Spring, and Fairland Center on Fairland Road in Silver Spring are enhancing infection control procedures and those affected are in quarantine.
“We continue to closely follow these individuals and are working with the facilities to monitor any additional signs of illness,” said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles. “We continue to provide guidance to nursing homes and long-term care facilities and have regular communication with them as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.”
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 Montgomery Parks and Montgomery County Recreation have closed all indoor park facilities to the public. Additionally, all programming, classes, and events scheduled in parks and at park facilities through April 30 are cancelled.
Additionally, all Montgomery County Recreation playgrounds are closed. Do not participate in team or contact sports or activities involving physical contact or sharing of equipment. For more information on Montgomery County Recreation visit www.mocorec.com.
Prior to visiting any County parks and recreation facilities, visit Montgomery Parks and Montgomery County Recreation for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions.
 Although dine-in restaurant service throughout Maryland is banned during the COVID-19 health crisis by order of Governor Larry Hogan, restaurants throughout the County are offering curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery during the crisis.
A list of restaurants throughout the County that remain open during the crisis can be found at the mocoeats.com website.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is partnering with the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to inform the public about transportation resources for adults over 50 and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 health crisis.
MCDOT and DHHS established a central website with this information and it will be continually updated.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich issued a statement in support of the decision by State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon to extend the closure of all Maryland public schools.
“I appreciate the State’s decision extending school closures until April 24. I know this is difficult for everyone involved – for parents, students, teachers, administrators, and our community as a whole,” said County Executive Elrich.
Montgomery County Recreation is also assisting in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. All facilities, programs, classes, activities, rentals, and tours are cancelled until April 24. All Montgomery County Public Library branches and book drops will also remain closed.
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 The first batch of locally made hand sanitizer is now in the hands of Montgomery County Police thanks to a partnership between Montgomery County’s Department of General Services (DGS), local distilleries, and a pharmacy compounder.
“As first responders, we are focused on protecting our community, as well as our own families,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus G. Jones. “This is a prime example of people coming together to support our County’s first responders and collectively protect our fellow residents."
This partnership involves four area distilleries, one winery, and one compounder/pharmacist working together to produce 300 gallons of hand sanitizer each week.
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