 There is encouraging news on the number of people being vaccinated for COVID-19 in Montgomery County, although the number of people wanting vaccines is still far larger than the number of vaccines coming into the County each week. However, County Executive Marc Elrich says there are reasons for optimism in the near future—and he also is getting ready to gradually reopen the County if the rate of virus spread stays contained.
 The Montgomery County Council this week approved an amended zoning text amendment that will allow solar collection systems on land in the County’s Agricultural Reserve. County Executive Marc Elrich offers his thoughts on the program that will be created.
 Montgomery County Vaccine Distribution Charts as of Feb. 25, 2021
More than 137,000 Montgomery County residents have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine through all venues, which is about 13.1 percent of the County population, according to Maryland State statistics through Thursday. More than 61,000 residents (5.8 percent of the population) have received their second dose and are fully vaccinated.
 COVID-19 Deaths by Zip Code, Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Information Portal provides a variety of breakdowns on how the virus has impacted the County. The statistics are regularly updated to reflect the most recent reports during the health crisis. Among the information available is how many positive cases have been reported in each zip code in the County.
 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 operated testing programs.
 The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is honoring dozens of Montgomery County Vietnam War and Vietnam Era veterans with detailed tributes displayed on a special website created by the commission. The tribute honors the veterans leading up to National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which is observed every year on March 29.
The Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center is warning residents and businesses that cyber criminals may be sending them messages impersonating Maryland government agencies. The “phishing” attempts, which are used to gain personal and/or corporate information, may involve messages impersonating agencies including the Maryland Department of Labor, the Department of Transportation and the Office of the Secretary of State.
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 The 14-story office building that is the focal point of the Wheaton Revitalization Project built by the Montgomery County Government has received formal “LEED Platinum” certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The platinum certification of the Class “A” building is the highest level in sustainable design that USGBC awards in objectively measuring a building’s sustainability. The 308,000-square-foot building is the first County Government facility to receive a Platinum rating.
Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust Ride On bus service schedules starting Sunday, Feb. 28, to increase service in areas with growing passenger demand. The changes reflect the continuing shift of resources toward schedule patterns prior to the COVID-19 health crisis. The revisions will increase Ride On and Ride On extRa service to nearly 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
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The latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo “podcast, which highlights people and programs important to the residents of Montgomery County, features conversations with County employees Sara Rose, a supervisory therapist with the Department of Health and Human Services, and Larissa Johnson, the residential energy program manager for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Ms. Rose instructs parents on how to identify and address behavioral health issues in their children. In another segment, Ms. Johnson explains how residents can participate in a fun, family friendly scavenger hunt sponsored by DEP.
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The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA / Metro) has announced that the bridge enabling pedestrians to connect from the Rockville Metro Station to Downtown Rockville by crossing over Rockville Pike will remain closed for repairs through fall 2021. Due to a safety concern, the pedestrian bridge was closed on June 17.
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 Montgomery County Recreation will reopen eight community recreation centers on Monday, March 1. Individuals or households may now schedule times to use a fitness room, gymnasium or another room without the structure of a class.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries is celebrating Black History Month with special virtual programs during February.
The signature poster for the fifth annual Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival will be based on the design submitted by Mirian Fuentes Romero. The Takoma Park resident and student at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) has been named the winner of the yearly contest that selects new designs for the growing September festival that highlights the Wheaton arts community.
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