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COVID Milestone: 50% of residents vaccinated

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 04/29/2021 10:51 AM EDT

County Update: April 29, 2021

Dear Friend,

First, some big news: Over 50% of Montgomery County residents have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine!

And more than 365,000 residents are fully vaccinated. With more residents vaccinated than any other jurisdiction in the state, we’re seeing the effects of the County’s laser focus on efficient vaccine delivery. To read more of my thoughts on this important milestone click here.

The County is making so much progress in combating this virus. Montgomery County's case rate is now less than half of the state's rate. We are grateful to all of our residents, business owners and employees who have made significant sacrifices and contributions to get us to this next phase on the road to recovery. As vaccination rates continue to increase and our case rates trend downward, the County Council is working with our public health team to determine guidelines for additional activities to resume in a way that’s safe for our residents.

On Tuesday, the Council, acting as the Board of Health, held a public hearing and voted to pass a Fifth Amended Board of Health regulation, which adds guidance for reopening the County based on the percentage of the County population receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. To read a comprehensive update on the new regulation click here.

I’m hopeful that we will reach our goal of having 50 percent of residents fully vaccinated in the coming weeks. Once we reach that milestone, we will still have more work to do to get vaccines to all of our residents. We will continue standing up clinics in our hardest-hit communities, hosting pre-registration events throughout the county, and canvassing neighborhoods to reach more residents and get information out through grassroots efforts.

If you are interested in joining our excellent team of community outreach volunteers who are helping our residents get vaccinated, you can browse volunteer opportunities here and learn more about becoming a community ambassador here.

Please stay safe and stay in close touch.

Sincerely,

Tom Hucker
Montgomery County Council President

Important Resources

Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations

All Marylanders 16 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination at any vaccination location across the state, including at County clinics (pre-registration here) and at state mass vaccination sites like Montgomery County’s site in Germantown.

Yesterday, Governor Hogan announced that starting Saturday, May 1, all eligible Marylanders will be able to book an appointment at a state mass vaccination site without pre-registering by visiting Covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling 1-855-MD-GOVAX.

Pre-registrations continue for County-operated clinics. Once you pre-register, you will receive a notification via email or text message when an appointment is made available. My colleagues and I at the Council are doing everything in our power to advocate for the fastest possible distribution of the vaccine to our County. You can learn more here and sign up for COVID-19 text and email updates for County health department clinics here.

To pre-register by phone for a County health department site, call 240-777-2982. The Helpline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you have general questions about vaccinations and COVID-19, call 240-777-1755.

COVID-19 Testing Continues at County Sites

Free COVID-19 testing clinics are scheduled this week at various locations across the County. No appointment necessary. For clinic locations, hours and more information, visit here.

COVID-19 Rent Relief

The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program will provide up to $12,000 or 15 months of assistance to eligible households behind on rent due to COVID-related income loss. Applicants can apply online, see frequently asked questions, and get additional program details in English and Spanish at MC311.COM/RENTRELIEF

Food Distribution

Montgomery County has various food distribution events across the County this week, including in Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Olney. To find distribution events or food near you, click here. The website also has more information about food resources in multiple languages. For help with getting food, please call the Food Access Call Center at MC311.

FEMA and Funeral Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing financial assistance for funeral expenses for COVID-19 related deaths that occurred after Jan. 20, 2020 to help decrease financial stress caused by the pandemic.

To apply for the program, call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line at 844-684-6333 (toll-free) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Central Time). For more information, visit FEMA’s website at https://tinyurl.com/be7amc5c.

Featured Updates

Extension of State Health Insurance Special Enrollment Period

Maryland Health Connection, the state health insurance marketplace, has extended its current special enrollment period from now until May 15. This means that uninsured Marylanders have the opportunity to enroll in health coverage. Those who are eligible for Medicaid can enroll any time of year. Health coverage through Maryland Health Connection covers costs for coronavirus tests at doctor’s offices, urgent care centers, or emergency rooms. Learn more here.

Montgomery Parks

The return of warm weather means it’s the best time to enjoy what Montgomery Parks has to offer. Check out their picks for some the best locations to visit: https://tinyurl.com/xaj75t9t

Prior to visiting any of our parks, trails, or facilities, visit MontgomeryParks.org/COVID-19 for more information.

Montgomery County Energy Summit

Council President Hucker will be one of the keynote speakers at the Montgomery County Energy Summit taking place virtually next week from Tuesday, May 4 to Thursday, May 6. Review the agenda and register for the summit: https://www.mcenergysummit.org/

Vision Zero

Montgomery County will hold ongoing sessions throughout the month of May on the Draft Vision Zero 2030 Plan. The draft plan details how the County Government and its partner agencies will build a County without serious or fatal injuries on our roadways by 2030. If interested, please register for an upcoming listening session: https://tinyurl.com/hdm3bh8y

Senior Planet Montgomery

Senior Planet Montgomery, a technology training program designed for County learners 60 and older, is offering free online classes that focus on how to thrive at home. Classes, which are offered live via video conference, enhance a wide variety of life skills. A variety of exercise classes are also offered. There are class options in English, Spanish and Mandarin on a weekly rolling basis. More information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/3hp3h8ny

Latest News

Washington Post: As vaccination efforts expand, Montgomery ties reopening decisions to how many have gotten shots

DCist: Montgomery County Considers Loosening COVID Restrictions As 50% Of Residents Receive First Vaccine Dose

Washington Post: New restrictions as cases fall in region

FOX5: County eases COVID-19 restrictions (video)

Bethesda Beat: County to consider making non-citizens eligible for tax credits

Office of Councilmember Tom Hucker
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Email: Councilmember.Hucker@montgomerycountymd.gov
Phone: 240-777-7960
Website: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hucker/

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