A Message from County
Executive Marc Elrich
We know that the necessary steps to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic are hurting our residents, businesses and workers. I hear you and am here to help. My requests for emergency funding to benefit our communities were supported by the County Council yesterday, which passed two critical pieces of legislation. Together these bills are targeted to help our county weather these difficult times.
The Public Health Emergency Grant is a $20 million bill designed to provide economic relief to help pay for employee wages and benefits, rents, utilities, and other financial obligations for small business owners and nonprofit organizations. The bill also includes an outreach component to ensure that all segments of the business and nonprofit community are aware of and can take advantage of this important economic relief package.
The COVID-19 Human Services and Community Assistance Program will provide $6 million to residents experiencing financial hardships. Vulnerable residents will be offered flexible financial assistance so they may purchase basic needs such as food or pay for housing and childcare. The bill also includes funding for nonprofits to provide additional support for safety-net programs such as food and meal distribution, homeless services, and access to health care for the uninsured.
“I am pleased to partner with my Council colleagues on this important effort. Our goal is to use these funds in conjunction with other supports to provide assistance to as many people and businesses as possible,” said County Executive Elrich. “I continue to remind everyone to please follow the guidelines to slow the spread of this virus. The sooner we do this; the sooner we will be able to ease these restrictions. Together, we’ll get through this.”
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 Marc Elrich, County Executive
 Montgomery County’s COVID-19 website now gives residents more information on confirmed cases and virus-related deaths in the county. The “County Cases by the Numbers” section will be updated twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. Confirmed cases and deaths are displayed by gender and age range.
“This information helps us determine which protective actions residents should be taking and helps everyone understand how COVID-19 is impacting our community,” said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles.
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Montgomery County Department of Police Statement on Enforcement of Governor Larry Hogan’s Executive Order
The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) is taking steps regarding enforcement of the Governor’s order and response to crime and calls for service. Those steps include:
- Police will not randomly stop community members for compliance checks of the Governor’s orders.
- If police encounter people via a traffic stop, police call for service, investigations, or a gathering of individuals, they will inquire if individuals are in compliance with the Governor’s order.
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 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Montgomery County Recreation (MCR) continue their commitment to serve nutritious meals to seniors in need, even though the County’s Senior and Recreation Centers are closed.
DHHS and MCR, along with the Jewish Council for the Aging, are serving frozen meal packs to seniors through the County’s Senior Nutrition Program.
Individuals interested in learning more about the Senior Nutrition Program and to register for the program can contact their nearest Senior Center.
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 Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) continues a full sanitization and deep cleaning of its Hampden Lane Liquor & Wine store in Bethesda after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
While that store in Bethesda remains closed, across Montgomery County, ABS employees are working to keep business in operation.
ABS is deemed an essential business. As long as it is safe for employees and customers, the stores will remain open.
ABS has compiled a list of the most common questions from customers.
 Restaurants throughout the County continue serving the public with pickup, takeout, and delivery service. This provides a much needed and welcome resource for residents, while also keeping restaurants open and their staff employed.
A list of restaurants throughout the County that remain open during this health crisis can be found at the MoCoEats website. MoCoEats is operated by Visit Montgomery MD.
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