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Dear Friend,
Two weeks ago, we reached a huge milestone in our fight against COVID. On May 14, fifty percent of Montgomery County residents had been fully vaccinated -- and will have built immunity against the virus by Friday, May 28.
That’s why we will be moving into our final reopening phase this Friday, May 28, rescinding our local public health order and fully aligning with the State of Maryland. This will lift all COVID-19-related capacity and distancing restrictions for indoor and outdoor businesses and venues in Montgomery County.
On this date, in line with public health guidance from the CDC and the State of Maryland, there will no longer be a mandatory masking requirement for most activities. Face coverings are still required on public transportation, in schools and in health care settings. Face coverings are also required indoors for youth camps and in child care facilities. Masks are also still required inside County buildings. Unvaccinated residents are strongly encouraged to wear masks in public spaces, particularly indoors, for safety.
Businesses and workplaces are free to set their own guidelines on masking, and we ask our residents to kindly respect the decisions made by our local businesses. Businesses have to navigate and balance the health and safety concerns of both their customers and workers. Please be mindful of others as we navigate through this transitional time together.
Speaking of staying safe, we still have work ahead of us to ensure all our eligible residents get vaccinated. If you or someone you know is still waiting to get a shot, don’t delay another day! Visit govaxmoco.com to check clinic locations and hours. Make an appointment or walk up -- it’s that easy.
We would not have reached this point without the resilience and patience of our Montgomery County residents.
You’ve dealt with inconveniences and disruptions to the normal pace of your lives to prioritize the safety of our community. Thanks to all of you for doing your part this year, adhering to the social distancing guidelines, wearing face coverings and now, getting vaccinated.
Your continued diligence and sacrifice over the last year and a half has not gone unnoticed, and we are approaching the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to you.
I’m excited to see our businesses reopen fully and our County begin to return to a more normal way of life this summer.
This morning, I was thrilled to chair the Council session as we unanimously approved the $6 billion FY22 Operating Budget, the FY22 Capital Budget and the Amended FY21-26 Capital Improvements Program budget today. This budget doesn’t just give us a roadmap through the next few months of the pandemic -- it sets us up for long-term recovery and revitalization.
Thanks to all of you who have reached out to my office or shared testimony during a virtual public hearing. Hearing from you helped guide our decisions during this challenging budget process.
You can watch my full remarks here and read an overview here.
As always, stay safe and stay in touch!
Sincerely,
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 Tom Hucker
Montgomery County Council President
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COVID-19 Vaccinations
Residents can make their own first-dose appointments at County clinics. Clinic dates, times, and vaccine types are all listed on the County website. The vaccination schedule is updated daily.
Youth ages 12 to 15 do not need to preregister for appointments, and parents/guardians can make appointments for them at clinics using the Pfizer vaccine. Walk-ins will not be accepted if a parent/guardian is not present. The parent/guardian may provide consent and medical history information online or by phone. In all cases, minors must bring proof of identity and age, such as a birth certificate.
If you need help making your first or second dose appointment, email c19vaccination@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-2982.
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May 28 Reopening
Effective May 28 at 6 a.m., in line with public health guidance from the CDC and the State of Maryland, there will no longer be a mandatory masking requirement for most activities; however, face coverings are still required on public transportation, in schools and in health care settings. Face coverings are also required indoors for youth camps and in child care facilities. Masks are also required inside County buildings.
The Maryland Department of Health and Montgomery County encourages all individuals who are older than two years of age and not fully vaccinated to continue to wear face coverings in all public indoor settings and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Businesses and workplaces can implement their own policies requiring that face coverings must be worn on their premises. This is no different than the ability to set a dress code for customers and staff.
The May 14, 2021 Maryland Department of Health order to help limit the spread of COVID-19 can be viewed here.
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Mary’s Center Offering COVID-19 Walk-In Vaccines and Testing
Mary’s Center now offers free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing at their walk-in clinic in Silver Spring to all Maryland residents who are ages 12 or older. They have 100 doses of Pfizer every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and will be vaccinating until the supplies run out. You can see more details and location information on their calendar here.
Walk-In Vaccine Clinic Hours:
Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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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.
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MCDOT Free/Discounted Capital Bikeshare Rides to/from Vaccination Sites
Through July 4, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer free Capital Bikeshare rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination sites. Some rideshare and e-scooter trips are included. The free rides are available thanks to a White House program and partnerships with Lyft and Uber to help increase access to transportation to get to a vaccination site. Haven’t gotten vaccinated yet? Learn how to access these free rides: https://tinyurl.com/26xvy4m8
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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
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 here.
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MoCo Restaurant Relief Fund
The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation recently opened applications for the third round of the County's Restaurant Relief Fund. Details on the program in multiple languages, including eligibility requirements are available at https://tinyurl.com/9uyeed28. Share this information with your favorite eateries!
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MCPL Reopening
On June 1 six of Montgomery County’s public libraries will reopen including at Gaithersburg, Connie Morella (Bethesda), Rockville, Silver Spring, Olney and Marilyn Praisner (Burtonsville).
On June 14 seven additional branches will reopen at Aspen Hill, Damascus, Davis, Little Falls, Long Branch, Potomac and Quince Orchard.
These branches will follow newly adjusted opening procedures which include no appointments, no capacity limits, and no social distancing requirements. Masks or cloth face coverings are required and must be worn at all times while in the library. The Holds to Go service will be discontinued prior to the reopening of the branches.
If you have any holds available for pickup before the branches open next week and the Holds To Go service is discontinued at the branch, call the library 30 minutes prior to pickup.
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MoCo Grows 2021
Montgomery Parks is cosponsoring a free, three-day gardening education event to teach County residents the importance of growing their own food by providing them with the needed tools for every growing experience level. Learn more and register: https://tinyurl.com/3dk22ys8
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Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), an FCC program, can provide low-income families and those who’ve lost jobs during the pandemic a temporary federal discount of up to $50 off their monthly internet bill. Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/2e7adh29
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Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you want to learn how to support community resilience, someone who is struggling with their mental health or you want to find resources for yourself, you can download the toolkit here: https://tinyurl.com/49528s7p
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Safety Net Foster Program
The Office of Animal Services at the Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center has launched the Safety Net Foster program to provide foster care of owned pets while their owners are temporarily unable to care for them due to illness, homelessness, or other emergencies. Learn more about the program here: https://tinyurl.com/newpu8ze
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Southern Management Leadership Program
The Southern Management Leadership Program is a great leadership opportunity for Montgomery College students who plan to transfer to the University of Maryland. Applications are being accepted through May 31. More information is available here: https://tinyurl.com/kfrjvs8n
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