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Dear Friend,
After over a year of immense challenge and hardship, we are making significant progress in our vaccine rollout!
I'll let the data speak for itself. COVID-19 case rates continue to decline across the County and State overall. Our State recorded the fewest new confirmed COVID-19 cases since last summer on Monday, and, just last week, our County recorded our lowest average case rate since mid-April 2020.
Montgomery County has the highest number of fully vaccinated residents, with over 42 percent of residents who are fully vaccinated and 56 percent who have received their first dose of the vaccine. With these promising numbers, and as more residents get vaccinated, we are rapidly approaching 60 percent of County residents having their first shot. Once we reach this milestone, our County moves into its next phase of reopening.
Our younger residents will be up next to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, as the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine for those between the ages of 12 and 15 on Monday, following a thorough evaluation of data from clinical trials. Our health department is ready to expand vaccine eligibility to this age group, following the approval from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) today.
You can pre-register your child in this age group now at govaxmoco.com and vaccines may be available for this group as early as this Thursday. Please stay tuned for additional updates.
This will bring us one step closer to getting a majority of our population vaccinated and will make the return to in-person learning even safer for our children, teachers and staff.
Lastly, we’ve made it easier than ever to get a vaccine!
Residents 16 and up are now able to directly schedule their own appointments online at any mass vaccination site in the State, including the Montgomery College Germantown site, and at multiple County-run clinics, including the White Oak Community Recreation Center, the Wheaton Community Recreation Center and the Silver Spring Civic Building.
I am especially excited about the vaccine clinic at the Silver Spring Civic Building, which I’ve been advocating for since the start of this year. It is centrally located in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring and easily accessible for people across our County thanks to its great connection to public transportation.
If you don’t have a chance to make an appointment, they are also accepting walk-ins. Extended evening and weekend hours are also available at select sites.
We’ve waited over a year for the development of safe and effective vaccines, to ramp up the production, and to receive our fair share from the State. Having so many vaccines to use is a game-changer for all of us and public health. But only if all of us take advantage of this.
If you or someone you know has patiently been waiting for their turn to get vaccinated, now is the time. The sooner we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can safely return to normal.
Please don’t delay and get your shots today! Appointment slots and clinic hours can be found at govaxmoco.com.
The progress we’re making is a testament to all of you who have followed public health guidance, listened to the science, and continue to help one another through this difficult time. I’m deeply grateful to you all for making meaningful changes in your own lives that have helped us stay safe and keep our case counts low.
Sincerely,
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 Tom Hucker
Montgomery County Council President
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Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations
Pfizer vaccinations for children at County sites
As early as Thursday, children between the ages of 12 and 15 should be able to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at any County-operated clinic and State site. Pre-registration for this age group is open now on the County website, and we already have over 5,000 children in this age group pre-registered.
Parents/guardians will not need to be present with the child when they receive the vaccine but they will have to have completed the consent process through the PrepMod system when scheduling an appointment. The children will need to bring some proof of identity to confirm their age, such as a birth certificate.
Second Doses
If you received your first dose at a County-operated clinic but have not received an email three days before your second dose due date, please email c19vaccination@montgomerycountymd.gov or call the COVID-19 call center at 240-777-1755 for assistance in scheduling a second dose appointment. We always maintain a supply of second dose vaccine for residents who received their first dose from the County.
If you have general questions about vaccinations and COVID-19, please call 240-777-1755.
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Montgomery County re-opens libraries for limited in-person service
The County Executive announced Monday that the following six libraries will be open on an appointment basis for browsing and checking out materials, picking up holds, computer use, print/copy/scan services, information and circulation services on Tuesday, June 1. Collaboration rooms, study rooms, meeting rooms, and discovery rooms will not be available at this time. The hours at all branches will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Additional information will be posted on the MCPL website as it becomes available.
- Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda
- Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave.
- Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
- Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road
- Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave.
- Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave.
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COVID-19 Testing continues at various 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.
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COVID-19 Rent Relief
The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program provides short-term rental assistance to eligible households who have experienced lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing them to fall behind on their rent. While funds are available, the program will provide up to $12,000 to eligible households to pay for back rent owed and/or pay for up to three months of future rent. Applicants can apply online, see frequently asked questions, and get additional program details in English and Spanish at MC311.COM/RENTRELIEF.
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Food Distribution
Montgomery County has various food distribution events across the County this week, including in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bethesda and Silver Spring. 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.
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FEMA and Funeral Assistance
Montgomery County has various food distribution events across the County this week, including in Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park. 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.
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Senior Planet Montgomery
Senior Planet Montgomery, a technology training program designed for County learners 60 and older, is offering free online classes next week that focus on how to thrive at home. Classes, which are offered live via video conference, enhance a wide variety of life skills. Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/k5syhd8d
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Ride-On Transit
Ride-On implemented service changes this past Sunday to increase service and improve efficiency. About 30 routes will be affected by these changes. More information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/3wxe694p
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Montgomery Parks Summer 2021
Summer program registration for Montgomery Parks’ programs is now live! Set aside some time to read the Summer Program Guide this week. Find classes and programs for you and your family, make a list, then sign up. Check out the guide here: https://tinyurl.com/5cnftca9
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A Commitment to Action: Countering Social Isolation among Older Adults
The Montgomery County Commission on Aging will host a free online forum at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18 aimed at challenging us to renew our commitment to work on behalf of vulnerable and underserved older adults in Montgomery County.
Learn more about the forum here. Registration is available here: https://tinyurl.com/ydn43dpk
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Shared Streets
Many local restaurants and retail businesses in the County rely on curbside access and space for outdoor dining as they reopen and expand services, which is why Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s new Shared Streets program aims at supporting residents and businesses by temporarily adjusting uses of public spaces to provide in-street activities such as biking, walking, outdoor dining, and retail activity. See a list of locations here: https://tinyurl.com/vz27b75s
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Building Safety Month and Deck Inspections
As part of ‘Building Safety Month’ in May, Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services will feature a series of activities, including free inspections of residential decks. Contact 311 to schedule your free residential deck inspection today: https://tinyurl.com/r9uw8y9u
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WTOP: Montgomery Co. planning strategies for vaccinating 12 and up
“I think all of us are optimistic about what this means for our county and our region,” County Council President Tom Hucker said Monday during a weekly briefing with reporters. “But there’s still considerable work to do to ensure that all our residents get vaccinated.”
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