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On Friday, Governor Larry Hogan began to lay out a plan for reopening our state based on the expert guidance of public health officials and the knowledge that we risk an acceleration of the epidemic to even higher numbers if we rush returning to normal. The health directives to stay home except for essential activities and to wear face coverings are working, but we have to hold firm to safely and responsibly enter a recovery phase.
Stage One of a statewide reopening plan will happen only when hospitalization rates and the number of patients being admitted to hospital ICUs start declining. It's safe to assume that the number of confirmed cases will continue to increase – in large part due to the increased testing capability.
Stage Two would allow some smaller gatherings with social distancing – including opening bars and restaurants with restrictions and allowing non-essential employees who can't telework to return to work.
Stage Three would lead to lessening of further restrictions, including reinstituting larger gatherings, allowing family visits to nursing homes, and reopening high-capacity restaurants and bars.
Each stage includes smaller phases that may need to be delayed based on how quickly we can flatten the curve of cases, provide personal protective equipment, enable surge capacity in hospitals, conduct contact tracing to track the spread of the disease, and other factors. There is no rushing this process – lives are literally at stake.
At the Council, we’re continuing to address the breadth of challenges related to this crisis. This week, we are approving $2 million for emergency rental assistance and introducing $750,000 in additional funding for food providers to ensure we better reach our residents in need.
Thank you to everyone who has ordered takeout or delivery from a restaurant over the past several weeks. The restaurant industry, prohibited from in-person dining, has been one of the hardest hit because of the drastic but necessary public health precautions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
One way we could be more effective in our support of the restaurant employees who support and serve us is to order from them directly. While food-ordering apps such as GrubHub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash are popular and convenient, it’s important to keep in mind that they charge commission fees to restaurants that can be as high as 30%.
I joined award-winning Bethesda restaurateur Ashish Alfred last week to urge people to take a few more minutes to order takeout or delivery directly from restaurants, if offered. It’s a small gesture that can make a huge difference to keep our friends and neighbors employed, make sure the money we spend stays in our community, and help our local restaurants keep the lights on.
Communication and collaboration across all levels of government is key to effective leadership, especially during times of crisis.
One of my top priorities since taking office has been to build a strong partnership with the leaders of the 14 municipal governments in District 1 to best serve our shared community. I am so grateful for their outstanding service and for the coordination to provide world-class constituent services.
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, I have hosted weekly calls with our elected officials and town managers in District 1 to share information on the County’s response to the pandemic as we navigate the new normal of local government together.
The Council on Tuesday introduced the Telework Assistance Program to help local businesses and nonprofits offset some of the cost of computers, cameras, software and other equipment they've had to purchase in order to sustain operations during the public health emergency. After it became clear that a similar initiative established within the broader Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) program was not reaching enough businesses in need, I worked collaboratively with colleagues to spearhead this $250,000 special appropriation that will offer telework grants of up to $2,500 per eligible business.
Thanks in part to the Council’s $100,000 appropriation, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) created a new $200,000 Local Production Fund designed to support businesses that are changing or enhancing their operating models to manufacture Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the unique needs associated with COVID-19.
The application deadline is May 1st. For eligibility requirements and the online application, please click here.
Last week we had our second virtual Friday with Friedson. We were joined by Irene Tata (Behnam & Associates), Brendan McKay (McKay Mortgage), and Sue Rogan (Cash Campaign Maryland) to hear tips and consider strategies to better navigate this health crisis. If you missed it, you can click on this link to watch a recording of the event.
We also compiled a resource list that we hope is helpful through the crisis and beyond. We will have another discussion soon on a different topic, stay tuned for details.
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New Montgomery Cable Channel with COVID-19 Updates
- Montgomery County's public, education and government channels have launched a new Corona Montgomery channel, creating creates a direct communications channel to all residents, including those who don't have access to hi-speed internet and technology. It will air critical COVID-19 related information. The programming is available on channel 10 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN.
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. Residents can still go outside for walks and exercise.
- 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
- MCPS will continue to provide meals at these sites for students during this time (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Monday through Friday)
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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Senior Nutrition Program: Frozen meal packs are available to seniors through the County’s Senior Nutrition Program. Partners and volunteers are operating “grab and go” locations and are making a limited number of home deliveries to the County’s senior population. To be eligible, most people must be 60 years of age or older. Spouses of participants or a person with a disability living with a participant, are also eligible. To register for the meal program contact the Senior Center closest to you. D1 Locations:
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Taxi Delivery: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced that it has partnered with local taxi companies during the COVID-19 health crisis to initiate a new program available to participants in the Call-n-Ride program to use taxis for delivery of essential goods from grocery stores, food banks and restaurants. This program is for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities.
- 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 June 15th (new date). You can compare prices and possibly receive financial help in order to afford coverage.
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Pepco: Pepco is extending its customer support policies, through at least June 1st, which include suspending service disconnections, waiving new late fees, and reconnecting customers who were previously disconnected.
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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 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
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