Recovery and Reopening

Thanks in large part to residents and businesses doing their part, the key COVID-19 indicators in Montgomery County continue to trend in a positive direction. This has saved lives. While other jurisdictions around the country have seen recent noticeable increases in test positivity rates and hospital beds in use by COVID patients, in Montgomery County our data dashboard today shows we have seen sustained (14-day) declines in six of nine key metrics. If the data trends continue, our Phase 2 reopening is likely to be sometime next week. 

Of course, COVID-19 is not going away. Even as we gradually reopen, we must be realistic by acknowledging that residents and businesses face a new normal. That means County Government faces a new normal too, as well. Just as businesses must adjust, we too must adjust as a local government in order to help our local employers survive both during the public health emergency and beyond. 

We've been working with the Bethesda Urban Partnership, MCDOT, DPS, Alcohol Beverage Services, the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce and local restaurant owners on using streets for outdoor dining. I'm excited that starting today (Wednesday, June 10) the Bethesda "Streetery" will open on sections of Norfolk, Cordell, and Woodmont Avenues, as well as Veterans Park. These streets will be shut down to vehicular traffic, set up with socially-distanced tables and seats that will be cleaned after each use, and we'll be able to buy food from local restaurants and enjoy it right outside their doors. Timing and additional details are here from the Bethesda Urban Partnership. We're working closely to plan similar opportunities in other areas of District 1 and the County.

Additionally, Ride On services began to expand starting Sunday and the  Bethesda Circulator re-launched on Monday. 

Additional COVID-19 Response Funds

This week, the Council introduced multiple appropriations to support local businesses and nonprofit partners and to help the County respond to the current public health crisis. First, after receiving $183 million in federal funding from the CARES Act, we are taking action on $80 million now to refund the County for $49 million already spent for relief efforts that qualify under federal rules. In addition, this appropriation includes $31 million for the County so that executive agencies have the flexibility to respond to pre-approved relief programs as needed. Other important appropriations that were introduced this week:

• $10 million to keep child care providers financially afloat in order to be able to reopen. Specifically the funds will assist with one month of operating funds, additional costs related to COVID-19 such as staff training and cleaning supplies, and this grant program would reimburse providers for some financial losses already taken during recent months when many child care facilities were required to close. My office was one of the lead offices that helped shape this program, along with Councilmember Navarro and Riemer.
• $500,000 in order for Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation’s (MCEDC) to start a 3R Initiative (Reopen, Relaunch, Reimagine). This initiative will provide technical assistance from industry experts to County retail and restaurant businesses to aid reopening and recovery from closures due to the health crisis. The County’s funding will provide small grants for reopening expenses and this funding will be matched by $250,000 from another private entity.
• $250,000 to support Maryland Tech Council’s creation of a Business Continuity Task Force (BCTF). The BCTF will assist tech and life science entrepreneurs in Maryland that are navigating the economic downturn due to the health crisis. The BCTF will help small and mid-sized tech and life science businesses plan for an optimal recovery and execute the recovery plan based on the economic conditions following the health crisis.
• $40,000 to WorkSource Montgomery to conduct an outreach campaign to ensure all County residents are aware of the unemployment eligibility and benefits available through the Maryland Department of Labor.

#DontClick: Be Aware of COVID Scams

According to the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection, cyber criminals are ramping up malicious phishing scams by using the current global pandemic and teleworking conditions. They target mobile devices by sending text messages with a sense of urgency to click on a link or send a text response to a code that they provide.

• Don't click on a link in any suspicious text message or text your response to a code.

• Don't provide any sensitive data via text or email.

• If sender’s name/number are known, contact them directly to verify.

• Ensure your mobile device has a screen lock code.

• Keep your mobile device current with the latest updates.
  
  

Honoring Organizations Working Tirelessly During this Crisis

To thank those who are going the extra mile to assist in the community, and to showcase the work of some our excellent local artists, the Council aired 'Musical Montgomery' this weekend. We truly appreciate our many partners during this time as the County cannot meet all the needs on our own.

Congratulations Class of 2020!

To the remarkable, resilient, ready for anything Class of 2020, congratulations on this major milestone! While you and your families aren’t able to celebrate this special moment as envisioned for so long, we have seen your creativity and adaptability as you have found new ways to commemorate this significant milestone. Everything in the world has changed, but the value of this moment, of this achievement, cannot be understated. We cannot wait to see what you do with your lives, and how you positively shape our community, our county and our world!

Updates and Resources

MCPS

• 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

Special Grocery Store Hours

• The County has compiled a list of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and those at-risk.

Closures

• County Facility Closures and Service Suspensions

How You Can Help

• Support Neighborhood Restaurants: Please support local employers by getting take out or delivery. Search the Visit Montgomery list here.
  • Bethesda Area and Pike District Restaurants
  • Kensington Restaurants and Delivery Options 
  • Poolesville Restaurants with Curbside Pickup, Takeout and Delivery Services
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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:
    
    • North Potomac Senior Center Sheila Hall 202-450-8057 Sheila.hall@montgomerycountymd.gov 
    • Holiday Park Senior Center Dolors Ustrell-Roig 240-460-2236 Dolors.Ustrell@montgomerycountymd.gov
• 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.
  
• 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.
• Unemployment Claims: You can start your claim online or by phone.
• 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.
  • COVID short-term rent subsidy program: Call 311 to apply. Households must be at 40% AMI, paying more than 50% of income toward rent, and loss of income directly related to COVID.
  • Renters: The County has issued this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Residential Buildings​​ that may be helpful to review. In addition, you may be eligible for the Maryland Renters' Tax Credit program that provides up to $1,000 in direct funds.
• Federal Relief: This guide on federal programs outlines the benefits recently passed by Congress.
• 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