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Dear Resident,
This morning Governor Larry Hogan issued a stay-at-home directive for all Maryland residents as of 8 p.m. tonight, in an effort to ensure all of us are doing all we can to put a stop to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Hogan noted that unfortunately, there have been many instances of individuals across the state ignoring the original guidance on social distancing and avoiding large gatherings.
Essential reasons for venturing outside one’s home include the following, according to Governor Hogan’s order:
- obtaining necessary supplies, such as groceries;
- seeking medical help or medical supplies;
- caring for family members, friends, pets or livestock;
- traveling to or from educational institutions to pick up meals or materials for remote learning; and
- exercising outside through walking, hiking, biking or running, as long as it does not violate social distancing guidelines.
Restaurants and bars statewide will still be able to offer takeout and carryout options.
“Marylanders need to know that unfortunately, we are only at the beginning of this crisis and it is going to get considerably worse before it gets better,” Governor Hogan said. “I realize this is incredibly difficult for everyone in our state but I want everyone to know that we have been through difficult challenges before and we will get through this together.”
In last week’s newsletter, I shared resources for residents related to preventing and mitigating COVID-19 infection, state and county efforts to protect public health, information for small businesses, the elder community and vulnerable populations, and more. The Department of Health and Human Services’ coronavirus information website and the State of Maryland’s page are updated daily to provide residents with the latest guidance and information as the situation progresses.
An important reminder for elderly, immunocompromised and other at-risk residents: local grocery stores and national supermarket chains located in Montgomery County are offering special shopping hours for you. You can find a full table of locations and hours by clicking here.
The State of Maryland has issued a moratorium on evictions and the state courts have suspended actions. Building owners are encouraged to work with tenants during this period to develop payment plans or other options. See here as well as here for more information. The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs website has more information for tenants and landlords and will be updated as the situation progresses.
Residents can view all Council meetings on County Cable Montgomery (Xfinity/RCN Channel 6 or in HD on 996/1065 or Fios Channel 30), the Council's web page, Facebook Live (@Montgomery CountyMdCouncil or @ConcejodelCondadodeMontgomery) or YouTube (@MoCoCouncilMD). In accordance with Gov. Hogan’s March 30 executive order, the Council will meet remotely on Tuesday, March 31. There is no public access to the Council Office Building or the Council Hearing Room, until further notice.
On our agenda are several important items related to the current public health emergency, including the following:
The Council will hold a public hearing and is scheduled to vote on Expedited Bill 16-20, Economic Development Fund - Public Health Emergency Grant Program - Established, which would establish a Public Health Emergency Grant Program. This program would authorize grants to local for-profit or non-profit businesses that have their principal place of business in Montgomery County and employ 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. The maximum grant for financial losses due to a public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, would be $75,000. This bill also would authorize the director of the Department of Finance to award mini-grants to an eligible for-profit or non-profit business up to $2500 to reimburse the business for costs incurred to purchase technology equipment and software to facilitate employee teleworking during the public health emergency. The Montgomery County Council is the lead sponsor. You can read more here.
The Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a special appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) FY20 Operating Budget of $260,000 for Manna Food Center. Councilmember Craig Rice is the lead sponsor. I am a cosponsor along with Councilmembers Hans Riemer, Gabe Albornoz, Gabe Albornoz, Will Jawando, Evan Glass and Nancy Navarro. Manna Food Center is a partner with MCPS in providing food to food-insecure students. Manna Food Center estimates that it needs $260,000 to increase capacity in its Food for Families and Smart Snacks/Stay Put Sacks while schools are closed in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. You can read more here.
The Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a special appropriation to the County government’s FY20 Operating Budget of $250,000 for hotel or motel rooms for medical and front-line staff. Councilmember Hans Riemer is the lead sponsor. I am a cosponsor along with Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz, Nancy Navarro, Andrew Friedson, Evan Glass, Will Jawando and Craig Rice. The Conference and Visitors’ Bureau will work with hotel and motel operators to provide lodging at greatly reduced costs to critical front-line personnel in the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. You can read more here.
The Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a special appropriation to the Department of Finance’s FY20 Operating Budget of $20,000,000 for the Public Health Emergency Grant Program. This special appropriation is needed to provide funding for the Public Health Emergency Grant Program. The County will seek reimbursement from the federal and state government for any eligible costs. You can read more here.
The Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a special appropriation to DHHS’ FY20 Operating Budget of $5 million to support the department’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This special appropriation will provide the Department of Health and Human Services an additional $5 million in resources. The County will seek reimbursement from the federal and state governments for any eligible cost.
Thank you for reading, and please be safe and look out for one another.
Sincerely,
Council President Sidney Katz
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