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Like so many of you, I have joined many of the demonstrations, marches, and vigils in our community to listen and learn and have witnessed the incredible momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement. I have been inspired by the powerful and passionate voices, led by our young people, demanding needed change. I am filled with hope by state and local governments taking long-overdue steps to reform our law enforcement and criminal justice systems.
We have a lot of serious work to do, but the Montgomery County Council has taken significant steps to better align our policies with our values. Led by Councilmember Will Jawando, the Council passed a resolution this week declaring racism a public health emergency. The data is as clear as it is heartbreaking, and the staggering health disparities of the Covid-19 crisis have only amplified this tragic reality. On Tuesday, the Council introduced legislation to reform the County’s current use-of-force policies and practices spearheaded by Councilmembers Jawando, Navarro, Rice, and Albornoz. The County’s recently established Police Advisory Commission will also advise the Council on policing best practices, recommend policies, and engage in public education and other programs. Applications are open through this Friday, June 19th at 5 PM.
Additionally this week, I was joined by all my Council colleagues to formally request that the Executive Branch and Planning Commission comprehensively review county streets and facilities and initiate a public process to rename those that honor Confederate soldiers. As we work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate racism, we must also target the symbols that normalize and legitimize it. The names of our public buildings and streets should reflect the people in and on them, not threaten and intimidate them. This effort will build upon a similar analysis of public school buildings conducted by Montgomery County Public Schools.
These efforts – while just a small fraction of the work ahead – follow the Council’s passage last fall of the Racial Equity and Social Justice Bill spearheaded by Councilmember Nancy Navarro. This legislation provides a framework to address equity in our budgeting, policy-making, and government operations, recognizing that institutional problems like structural racism require institutional solutions.
It is exceedingly clear that we have deep wounds we must heal in our country and within our county. These conversations are long overdue. There are no easy answers or simple solutions to become the just and equitable community to which we aspire. This will be an ongoing and active process – to do better and to be better, individually and collectively.
With key COVID-19 indicators continuing to show positive progress, the County Executive has announced that Phase 2 of reopening will go into effect at 5 PM Friday, June 19th. While this is an important step, we must remain cautious, continue wearing face coverings, keeping our distance when possible, and limiting the time we spend in close proximity to others. We have seen the large increase in those infected and hospitalized in other areas of the country that reopened much faster, an unfortunate and distressing reminder that COVID-19 is still with us as we are entering a new normal.
I'm truly grateful for the sacrifices everyone is making to help keep our family members, friends, and neighbors safe. I'm also appreciative of all of the feedback you've sent on certain aspects of the reopening procedures. We've been working with the Executive Branch and our public health experts to better understand the rules and to advocate for greater clarity and consistency in order to achieve better compliance – particularly for local businesses, faith institutions, and community pools.
Here's what's allowed in Phase 2 starting Friday at 5 PM:
- Retail - curbside and limited in-store; one patron per 200 sq. ft. of sales space;
- Restaurants - outdoor/patio seating and limited indoor dining with requirements; up to 50 percent capacity maximum indoors if social distancing can be maintained;
- Childcare – childcare programs can reopen with a maximum of 15 individuals per classroom;
- Gyms - fitness centers, and other indoor physical activities; open with requirements; one patron per 200 sq. ft. of fitness space;
- Houses of Worship - virtual, drive-in, and limited indoor and outdoor services with requirements - one congregant/family unit per 200 sq. ft. of service space;
- Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings - limited to a maximum of 50 or one person/family unit per 200 sq. ft., whichever is lower;
- Salons/Barbers/Nails - all personal services allowed by appointment only; one patron per 200 sq. ft. of service delivery space;
- Car Washes - open for internal and external cleaning with requirements;
- Office Spaces and Multi-tenant Commercial Buildings - limited use for nonessential personnel with requirements; telework strongly encouraged where applicable;
- Indoor and Outdoor pools (public and private) – open with capacity restrictions (click this link for additional guidance);
- Outdoor Day Camps - expanded opening with requirements;
- Outdoor Youth Sports - expanded for low-contact sports with requirements;
- Parks & Playgrounds - parks open for personal fitness and fitness classes with requirements; playgrounds open with requirements; only low-contact sports allowed; and
- Ride On Bus Service - expanded schedule; expanded routes.
Certain outdoor recreation activities and facilities are already permitted: golf courses, archery, shooting ranges, marinas, campgrounds, horseback riding facilities and tennis courts.
The following businesses and services will remain closed in Phase 2:
- Concerts and theaters;
- Senior centers;
- Libraries; and
- Recreation facilities.
*For additional details, please see the Executive Order here.
Child care is a social necessity and an economic imperative. In that spirit, we were pleased to work with Councilmembers Navarro and Riemer in recent weeks to develop a new $10 million program to help child care providers that face fiscal challenges in normal times and have been particularly hit hard during this crisis. With an additional $2 million from the Early Care and Education Initiative, this funding will help our child care providers reopen and allow our economy to begin to recover.
With this week’s approval of the program, we expect the Executive Branch to post the application by the end of the month. In the meantime, we will continue to spread the word so that this funding reaches our many providers who are integral to a successful reopening strategy.
You asked for it, and now we have it: the Bethesda Streetery! Thrilled to see the resounding success of this open streets concept in Bethesda. It’s about helping local businesses keep the lights on while keeping our residents safe in these unprecedented times. Building on innovative efforts such as this, with funding approved by the Council, the Montgomery County Development Corporation (MCEDC) will be partnering with StreetSense on a community-based pilot project that will provide recovery recommendations, expert technical assistance, and financial support to qualifying retail and food establishments as they navigate public health requirements, changing business models, and commercial space adaptation. The Reopen, Relaunch, Reimagine (3R) Initiative will focus on several commercial corridors in the county.
Webinar to assist homeowners who are delinquent in their mortgage payments or Association assessments. Click the image to go to the registration page. Wednesday June 24th at 6:30PM.
Libraries
- Starting June 29th, library branch bookdrops and telephone service will resume. Learn more here.
MCPS
- MCPS is providing meals at these sites for students. New times are 10:00 AM - Noon and for bus distribution sites, it is 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM.
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.
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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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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Food Assistance: Call 311 and you will be connected to our new food call center or you can look at 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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