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The County has put out a guide for reopening businesses, including guidance and a checklist on health precautions that must be taken and how to ask specific questions about individual businesses by reaching out to bizinfocovid19@montgomerycountymd.gov. No two businesses are exactly alike, which is why we've been pushing for a reopening "ombudsperson" to be able to quickly research and respond to questions. If you need help getting additional information after reaching out to bizinfocovid19@montgomerycountymd.gov, please reach out to me at councilmember.friedson@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The availability of testing continues to be a key factor in allowing the gradual reopening of our County. The Maryland Department of Health has put together a map of COVID-19 testing sites, including those operated by the State, by the County, and some by private healthcare providers. In addition, the CVS at 7809 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda and two other CVS locations in the County are now offering self-swab tests by appointment.
Stakeholders continue to plan outdoor dining on streets in downtown Bethesda and we hope to have more information to share soon.
We're so lucky to have free, public access to our 422 parks at a time when nature and open space are so desperately needed. Brookside Garden in Wheaton is often referred to as the “crown jewel” of our Montgomery Parks system. The flowers are in full bloom and the natural beauty right now is incredible. I recently toured the exceptional grounds to take advantage of all it has to offer. Here is a quick overview of some of the things you will be able to see and do on your next visit.
The Montgomery County Council is accepting applications for membership on the County's Policing Advisory Commission. Applications for the three-year appointments are due by 5:00 PM on June 19th.
The goal of the Commission is to improve Council oversight of the Montgomery County Police Department and strengthen community trust in police. The Commission will advise the Council on policing matters, provide information regarding best practices, recommend policies, and engage in public education and other programs.
Members of the Policing Advisory Commission should reflect the diversity of Montgomery County, including individuals of different ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, places of origin, religious creeds, age, sex - including on the basis of gender identity or orientation, disability, and geographic location, with emphasis on those disproportionately impacted by inequities. For more information on the Commission and how to apply, please click here.
Reminder that our virtual Friday with Friedson is this Friday!
This Friday at 11:00AM, please click this image to join our conversation on Facebook Live.
MCPS
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MCPS will honor the Class of 2020 with a systemwide live Universal Graduation Celebration on Sunday, June 7th, featuring Jose Andres, world-renowned chef and founder of World Central Kitchen as the commencement speaker. The event will pay tribute to our more than 10,500 high school graduates. Produced in collaboration with NBC4, it will air at 6 p.m. on Cozi TV (broadcast over-the-air channel 4.2, Verizon Fios channel 460 and Xfinity channel 208). The ceremony will be emceed by NBC4 anchor Leon Harris. Replays of the ceremony will be available on the MCPS website and the MCPS YouTube channel after the event. Additionally, individual school virtual graduations will be held June 8-12.
- MCPS is providing meals at these sites for students.
COVID-19 Renter Relief Act
- The Council passed the COVID-19 Renter Relief Act, which became effective April 24, 2020 and prohibits landlords from increasing existing tenants’ rent by more than 2.6% after April 24th and during the COVID-19 catastrophic health emergency. Helpful FAQs are now online.
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
Special Grocery Store Hours
- The County has compiled a list of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and those at-risk.
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 www.mysaval.store/ Order on Tuesdays before 4:00PM and pickup Thursdays between 2:00-3:30PM at the United Methodist Church in Poolesville. Drivers are asked to remain in their cars as orders will be loaded into the backs of vehicles. If you have any questions please call John at 443-896-7244.
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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.
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For Individuals with Disabilities: The State and other partners are collaborating to supplement existing programs for people with disabilities who may be experiencing food insecurity during this pandemic. To connect with these feeding opportunities, constituents should call 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 call specialist will connect the caller to a variety of statewide program options.
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My Groceries To Go! for Seniors: Montgomery County applicants are required to provide supporting documentation to prove income eligibility. Particpants receive get eight pounds of free, fresh produce every month. Please call the Grocery Plus main line at 202-921-7471 or email mg2g@capitalareafoodbank.org for more information. The Capital Area Food Bank's website on this program is here.
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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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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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