 Dear Friends,
As we head into this Mother’s Day weekend, we do so with new guidance from the Governor as to what is acceptable as far as outdoor activities are concerned. While the Governor has said that people can now play tennis and golf, this doesn’t mean that we should ease up on the physical distancing we have been practicing for nearly two months. While we want people to be physically active and get outside, we need to refrain from contact sports. Please only go out for essential travel and the limited approved outdoor activities. While the governor has approved activities such as boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hunting and driving in off-road vehicles, these can only be done with members of your household (For more information about these newly permitted activities, click on MD Outdoor Activities Information). Regardless, when you are around others, it is still necessary to wear a face covering. In the end, our ability to fully return to normal activity depends on our ability to control the virus.
Here, in Montgomery County, we are talking with our Public Health Officer, Dr. Travis Gayles to help provide guidance on what we can safely do within these evolving conditions. Large group activities, of more than 10 people, are still not safe, and we must remember to frequently wash our hands to avoid the spread of the virus.
The Governor also announced that the schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. But this does not mean that the learning stops. We know that our teachers and school staff continue to work hard and reach out to our students, and we’re grateful for their dedication. During this teacher appreciation week, I’d like to thank all our hardworking teachers. Please click on the link below for my message.
 Marc Elrich, County Executive
 At our Weekly Wednesday Media Briefing, Montgomery County Public Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles hinted at soon-to-be-unveiled testing measures. Dr. Gayles indicated the need to increase testing capacity, especially for underserved County residents. He outlines one of those methods in this video:
 County Executive Marc Elrich, Councilmember Will Jawando, and dozens of volunteers helped those in need at a recent County food giveaway. The event was held at the East County Community Recreation Center. More than 500 County residents took home boxes of food. Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Silver Spring and the Capital Area Food Bank partnered for this event.
 The County’s Department of General Services continues to deliver personal protective equipment (PPE) to local nursing homes, senior independent living communities, medical offices, and service providers. This week it delivered PPE to multiple locations in the County, including Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg. It received a delivery of 800 masks. Bethany House independent senior living apartments in Rockville received a bulk supply of hand sanitizer and 250 masks. We'd like to thank County staff and local partners for the work they are doing to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.
Donations of PPE from community groups and individuals make a meaningful difference. Please reach out to our donations team for more information on how to get involved. Working together we can all stay safer!
 We know parents may be struggling to balance working and caring for children and themselves during this difficult and complicated time. In this video, Dr. Raymond Crowel, Montgomery County Health and Human Services director, shares some insight and tips for understanding issues that may arise with younger children.
 The Maryland Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has been an essential partner in Montgomery County’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. Since March 23, it has provided volunteers from as far away as St. Mary’s County.
Maryland’s CAP has more than 1,600 volunteer members. As the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, it regularly conducts search and rescue operations in the State, trains young people through their cadet program, and participates in emergency response throughout the State.
Since beginning its work with the County, CAP volunteers have distributed PPE to County hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and medical clinics. It has also helped control traffic and logistics at the drive-through testing sites in Germantown and Wheaton, provided logistics and planning support in the Health Department’s Emergency Operations Center, and transported test kits and food supplies.
Its efforts have aided in the distribution of over 100,000 N-95 masks, 300,000 surgical masks, 110,000 pairs of gloves, 13,000 surgical gowns, 12,400 face shields, and other PPE deliveries in our community. To date, 53 Airmen have volunteered in Montgomery County from 15 separate units from across the State. They have worked more than 1,838 hours.
Before retiring, Col. John Knowles, a life-long Montgomery County resident, worked as Vice President of Logistics and Equipment for the Clark Construction Group. He currently puts his expertise to use, processing essential equipment and supply orders and helping track their distribution. “I’m glad I have the opportunity to help this important mission,” Col. Knowles said.
Special acknowledgement to the following members, who have been essential contributors to the County’s efforts: Col. John Henderson, incident commander; Lt. Col. Bob Midkiff, response coordinator; and those staffing the HDOC: Col. John Knowles, Lt. Col. Jon Royer, Lt. Col. Charles Davis, Maj. Bob Thompson, Maj. John Ralph, Maj. Rachel Knowles, Capt. Christophe Marchand, and 1st Lt. Michael Heuss.
 Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD
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