|
Dear Friend,
As you know, Montgomery County lifted most COVID-19 related restrictions last Friday.
So what masking requirements can you expect now that restrictions are lifted?
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 in the following settings:
- On public transportation;
- In schools;
- In health care settings;
- Inside of County buildings;
- And indoors for youth camps and in child care facilities.
I have family members who are still unvaccinated. Are they required to wear a mask?
Though not required, we strongly encourage everyone above the age of two who is not fully vaccinated to continue to wear face coverings in all public indoor settings and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
If you or someone you know is eligible for a vaccine but hasn’t gotten one yet, make an appointment today or walk up to a clinic in your area.
Can restaurants require face coverings even though the restrictions are lifted?
Businesses, restaurants, and workplaces can implement their own policies requiring that face coverings be worn. We ask all residents to respect business owners that choose to set their own policies.
If you have questions about how current guidelines affect your business or organization, you can submit a request for clarification here.
Why are some vaccinated people still wearing masks in public?
As we transition through a safe reopening, let’s be mindful that some people -- both vaccinated and unvaccinated -- will choose to continue wearing face coverings in public places for a myriad of reasons. Wearing a mask is about keeping yourself, your family, and your community safe. Whether you are immunocompromised, have unvaccinated children under the age of 12, or simply don’t feel quite comfortable yet in public settings, it’s perfectly fine to keep the mask on.
As we have all year, let’s continue to be respectful, understanding, and patient with each other as we come out of this pandemic.
We have come so far in the past year and we are finally turning to a new, brighter, and exciting chapter. I look forward to reconnecting and getting the opportunity to see you all in person in the coming months.
|
 Tom Hucker
Montgomery County Council President
|
|
 A quick update for residents in and around Burtonsville in my district.
For years, I’ve urged Montgomery County Police and Edens, owners of the Burtonsville Crossing shopping center, to address and eliminate the car meetups, rallies, and races that take place in the nearly vacant parking lot. These dangerous, loud events are not only illegal; they have become a persistent nuisance impacting neighbors throughout the Route 29 and Route 198 corridors, resulting in reckless driving in both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.
Last fall, I met with State and local elected officials from both counties, along with the leadership of Montgomery and Prince George’s County Police Departments, to develop and fine-tune an operational strategy to address these issues.
Last week, I asked MCPD leadership again for more enforcement of our traffic and nuisance laws. Officers now conduct more frequent patrols and monitor the property, particularly on weekend evenings.
I’m also pleased to share additional steps we’re taking to eliminate these meetups and rallies. Property management at the shopping center will install jersey wall barricades to block six of the eight entrances, making it a less accessible place for large gatherings. The two entrances will be staffed and the 3rd District Community Action Team (DCAT), a group of self-deploying officers, will spend Friday night shifts in the area immediately surrounding the shopping center. On Saturday nights, an additional two officers will be present.
I am happy about the progress we’ve made, but I won’t stop advocating for enforcement and deterrence until this is no longer a problem. The situation at Burtonsville Crossing has been untenable and dangerous for far too long; it’s time to eliminate the problem entirely. We have to get that shopping center redeveloped. I have had many productive meetings with Edens and County staff over the last six months, and I hope to have more positive announcements soon.
I hope you will continue to stay in touch and reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns about this or any other issue.
|
|
 |
|
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.
|
|
|
 |
|
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.
|
|
|
 |
|
Tips to Prepare for the Summer Storm Season
June 1 marks the start of the Atlantic Hurricane and Summer Storm Season, which will run through November. Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service (NWS) are urging residents to familiarize themselves with what to do before, during, and after a severe storm. We highly recommend residents sign up for the County’s emergency notification system, Alert Montgomery.
|
|
|
 |
|
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
|
|
|
 |
|
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.
|
|
|
 |
|
Food Distribution
Montgomery County has various food distribution events across the County this week, including in Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Takoma Park, 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 here.
|
|
|
 |
|
MoCo Grows 2021
Montgomery Parks is co-sponsoring a free, three-day gardening education event this weekend 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
|
|
|
 |
|
Pools Are Open
Montgomery County Recreation pools are operating with new safety restrictions. Walkup daily admission is for Montgomery County residents only, and all adults 18 and over must provide proof of County residency at the time of entry. Patrons must complete a contact form including the names of all household members, phone number, and address. The number of walkup daily admission slots available will depend on the number of reservations and pool capacity.
For indoor and outdoor pool hours, pool pass and daily admissions details, and more information on the COVID-19 safety procedures, please visit the pool information page on the Montgomery County Recreation website.
Register for programs like swim lessons and learn more: https://tinyurl.com/2dpz258x
|
|
|
 |
|
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
|
|
|
 |
|
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
|
|
|
 |
|
WUSA9: Mask mandate, capacity limits, social distancing requirements lifted in Montgomery County
“We are grateful to all our residents who have stepped up to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones and our community,” said Council President Tom Hucker. “We are thrilled to be able to restore a sense of normalcy for our business owners and residents who have made tremendous sacrifices for more than 14 months to protect public health. We will continue to support you during this recovery period and want to encourage everyone who hasn't been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
