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County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles ordered customers in all grocery stores, pharmacies, large chain retailers, and farmers' markets to wear face coverings starting Monday, April 13, as well as new rules for these employers to protect the employees who are making it possible for all of us to get the food, medicine, and other necessary items we need during this crisis. I certainly know the difficulties many are facing in getting masks. We are working with Dr. Gayles on a special appropriation to purchase masks for the public, but even that effort will not reach everyone.
It's important to note the order is for any type of face covering. The CDC has guidance to how to make your own face covering using most any cloth or similar material. When we must go out to get needed food and other materials, we owe it to the employees keeping these essential operations running to do everything we can to help protect them. Remember that your face covering protects me. My face covering protects you.
Since our last update, the Governor announced the expansion of the State's Strike Teams to provide increased support to nursing home facilities, assisted living facilities, and group homes for children. We want to thank all the first responders, hospital and healthcare staff, organizations serving our vulnerable residents, and also our everyday heroes stocking grocery store and pharmacy shelves, as well as all of the community members we've heard lending a helping hand to their neighbors.
The good news is that many people who were infected with novel coronavirus have recovered. The State's new registry called COVIDConnect will connect recovered individuals and provide opportunities for these patients to learn about potential research or clinical studies that may contribute to scientific progress to treat COVID-19.
We are still a far way from beating this pandemic. But there is growing evidence that social distancing is working to decrease its spread. That means by staying home and going out only for essential purposes, you are saving lives. One major update for the coming months is that the State Board of Elections and Governor Hogan have confirmed a June 2nd mail-in primary. The Board’s plan requires some in-person polling places for those unable to vote by mail, but we urge everybody who can vote by mail to do so.
If your business or nonprofit has experienced significant financial loss caused directly or indirectly by this public health emergency, you can find information for how to apply here for financial assistance from the County's new Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) program. We have worked as hard as we can over the last few weeks to get the County Executive to move more quickly in getting the applications out and money disbursed because we realize how critical it is for businesses and nonprofits to receive this assistance as soon as possible. He has committed that the applications will be available tomorrow.
Even before the Governor's stay at home order on March 30th, I worked with my colleagues to pass a relief package, including this grant program, in record time.
We expect the County Department of Health and Human Services to release their criteria and method of distribution soon for the $5 million in direct assistance to vulnerable residents that was also part of the broader relief package the Council created. We know that Federal stimulus checks from the IRS and State unemployment benefits have been slow to reach residents so we are trying to fill gaps as we wait for those much-needed resources to reach our communities.
Finally, the needs continue to increase as a result of this emergency and so today the Council introduced an appropriation of $5 million for the PHEG program to provide additional grant funding specifically for local restaurants and small store owners, many have been particularly hard hit by necessary health orders in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The Council is tentatively scheduled to hold a public hearing and action on this special appropriation on April 21st at 1:30 PM.
Last week we had our first virtual Friday with Friedson. We were joined by Priya Saha (Workforce Health Consultant at Kaiser Permanente), Ann Mazur (Chief Executive Officer of EveryMind), and Mike Riley (Director of Montgomery Parks). We focused on health and wellness because we all navigate this incredibly anxious and uncertain time together.
Here is a resource list we compiled which we hope can help you with some self-care ideas and strategies through the crisis and beyond. The next topic that we plan to cover is financial health, with tips directly tied to the current situation we find ourselves in. Stay tuned for details.
Reminder on the Stay at Home Directive
- The Governor issued a stay at home directive for all Maryland residents at the end of March. This means staying at home, unless you have an essential errand such as picking up groceries or medications, going to the doctor, or taking care of a family member or friend. If a resident is found to be in violation, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. Residents can still go outside for walks and exercise.
- Our County Department of Police has released a statement that, "We will not randomly stop community members for compliance checks of the Governor’s orders. If we encounter people via a traffic stop, police call for service, investigations or a gathering of individuals, we will inquire if individuals are in compliance with the Governor’s Order."
- Residents should not travel outside of Maryland. However, if you do, you should self-quarantine for 14 days upon your return.
Special Grocery Store Hours
- The County has compiled a list of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and those at-risk.
MCPS
Closures
How You Can Help
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Support Neighborhood Restaurants: Please support local employers by getting take out or delivery. Search the Visit Montgomery list here.
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Volunteer Opportunities: The County has compiled a list on how you can to help. If you are a medical or public health professional willing to assist, the state has a site for specialized volunteers.
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Making or Donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Frontline staff need additional supplies and so you can make a mask for them or donate new items you may have in your possession.
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Donation site for new or handmade PPE.
- For companies interested in selling PPE to the County, please use this email procure@montgomerycountymd.gov
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Donate Blood: American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Sign up for an appointment now.
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Give Locally: The Greater Washington Community Foundation has started a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to bolster nonprofits working to help low-income hourly workers, gig workers, small business owners, families in need of childcare services, homeless individuals and many more who will continue to be severely impacted during this public health emergency.
If You Need Support
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Restaurant Employee Relief Fund: The National Restaurant Association has launched a Relief Fund to give $500 checks to restaurant employees experiencing hardship in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
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Food Assistance: See the Montgomery County Food Council's Resource Directory, which includes information on the location, hours, and eligibility guidelines of more than 100 sites where residents can access food and benefits application assistance.
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Poolesville Grocery Distribution Service: Orders can be placed online by visiting https://www.mysaval.store/ The most recent pick up location was Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church. Drivers are asked to remain in their cars as orders will be loaded into the backs of vehicles.
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Healthcare: If you do not have insurance and want to get health insurance through the state marketplace now, Maryland has a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment period so that residents can enroll by April 15th. You can compare prices and possibly receive financial help in order to afford coverage.
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Unemployment Claims: You can start your claim online or by phone.
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Housing Issues: Evictions related to this public health emergency are prohibited at this time, if you face housing or eviction issues, please don't hesitate to contact our office at 240-777-7828 or dial 311.
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Federal Relief: This guide on federal programs outlines the benefits recently passed by Congress.
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Seniors: You can sign up now for a new free program called Senior Call Check by calling toll-free to 866-502-0560 or by registering online. Under the program, participants receive an automated call every day. If the participant does not answer, they will be called two additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an alternate person, selected by the participant, will be notified in order for them to check in on the participant.
*Additional resources listed at InfoMontgomery
Operating Budget Public Hearings (April 16th at 1:30PM and 7:00PM). Click the image to send a video or written statement.
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