 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, in his weekly message, provides an update on how COVID-19 is impacting the County and its businesses; explains why he vetoed legislation approved by the County Council that would reduce revenues available for infrastructure—schools and transportation—that are needed to accompany development; and urges everyone to join him in supporting the County’s small businesses.
Montgomery County Health Officer Travis Gayles has issued an Amended Health Directive that limits indoor gatherings to 10 people and updates the County’s face coverings guidelines. The directive states that when residents leave their homes, they are required to wear a face covering if they are likely to come in contact with others who are not members of their household. Residents are advised to always carry a face covering with them in case they unexpectedly come in close contact with others.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has notified the County Council that he has vetoed Bill 38-20 that amends the newly renamed “Growth and Infrastructure Policy” (formerly the County Growth Policy). The amendment would reduce the funding available to provide necessary County infrastructure.
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 Nearly 4,000 COVID-19 kits packed with personal protective equipment (PPE) to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus will be distributed in several sections of Montgomery County that have been hardest hit by the virus. The kits will be distributed in areas of zip codes 20902, 20904 and 20906.
 COVID-19 Deaths by Zip Code, Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County officials are urging residents to plan for upcoming holiday celebrations with consideration for family and friends as positive cases of COVID-19 continue to increase around Maryland and throughout the nation.
 There are numerous ways to get tested for COVID-19 in Montgomery County. The County operates dozens of clinics most weeks and rotates the locations to make testing easily accessible for residents in all parts of the County. In addition, there are many privately operating testing programs.
In 2020, a year like no other in our lifetimes because the COVID-19 health crisis has changed or cancelled so many programs and traditions, one sign of the holiday season is continuing. The 25th annual City of Gaithersburg’s “Winter Lights Festival” is now open nightly at Seneca Creek State Park and will continue through Dec. 31.
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The holiday season sees an increase in charitable donation drives. It also sees an increase in scammers pretending to be charities. This year, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) advises residents to follow warnings issued by the Maryland Secretary of State and the State Attorney General that the COVID-19 health crisis is adding an extra layer of complexity.
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 Mental and physical wellness services available for Montgomery County veterans are the focus of the most recent edition of the County Cable Montgomery (CCM) show “Homefront,” which is now available for viewing. The show featured four experts whose organizations offer a variety of services for veterans.
 An online public session about the many transportation options and resources available in Montgomery County for older residents and adults with disabilities is now viewable online. The virtual public forum was held in November by the County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Montgomery County will hold a virtual “Procurement Fair” on Wednesday, Dec. 9, to assist those who want to do business with the County. The fair will be hosted by the County’s Office of Procurement from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. via Microsoft Team.
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 Much of the holiday season will be different this year, including gift giving. Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and partners are encouraging people to gift greener this holiday season by supporting local businesses and reducing their carbon footprint with the annual “Gift Outside the Box” campaign.
 In celebration of the 551st anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, members from the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) and Sikh Spiritual Center in Rockville had something special in mind. They dedicated many hours over the past few weeks to collecting blankets, donations and food, culminating with a special day of service.
 Scouts from a variety of local boys and girls troops recently added a boost of energy to the Montgomery County #MaskUpMoCo campaign that is urging residents to wear masks whenever possible. Two troops of Boy Scouts, one Cub Scout troop, four Girl Scout troops and one Daisy troop helped install lawn signs in area parks to spread word of the campaign.
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