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Dear Friend,
I wanted to take a moment to share the latest Council updates and news with you.
This week, the Council convened for a special session to introduce, hold a public hearing and vote on a new public health regulation. Although we have among the highest vaccination rates in the nation, health officials have determined that the Delta variant is highly transmissible and requires action to reduce the spread. Our intention is to ensure that those in the community who aren’t eligible to be vaccinated, like children under the age of 12, and our immunocompromised residents are protected. We also continue to urge all eligible residents who are not yet vaccinated to do so immediately.
The Council continues working to make Montgomery County a more healthy, vibrant and safe place for everyone who calls it home. We are committed to ensuring our residents and businesses have the resources and support they need. If you or someone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
If you haven’t already, please connect with me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and news.
As always, get your COVID-19 vaccine, stay safe and stay in close touch.
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 Tom Hucker
Montgomery County Council President
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Montgomery County adopts new public health order and mask mandate
The Council, acting as the Board of Health, passed a new Board of Health regulation regarding mask use indoors and vaccinations for County employees. The regulation follows new guidance on face coverings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which were revised due to the highly-transmissible Delta variant. The regulation will require face coverings in public indoor areas when the County is considered an area of “substantial” COVID-19 transmission.
According to the CDC, Montgomery County is an area of substantial transmission when the County hits 50 to 99.99 total new cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days or an 8 to 9.99 percent test positivity during the past seven days. When either of these levels are reached, the public will be notified that the indoor mask requirement is in effect.
Current CDC data shows, and Public Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles reports, that Montgomery County is experiencing substantial COVID-19 transmission and therefore the new indoor masking mandate for public spaces will go into effect on Aug. 7 at 12:01 a.m.
The Board of Health regulation also requires an implementation plan be provided by the County Executive by August 20, which will institute a vaccine requirement or regular COVID-19 testing for County employees. You can learn more about the Board of Health order here and read the full order here.
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Celebrating National Night Out
On Tuesday evening I joined residents from the East County, Hillandale, Piney Branch, Long Branch, Lyttonsville and McKenney Hills communities to celebrate National Night Out. It was a great opportunity to see old friends, meet new neighbors and bring the community together.
National Night Out is an important event that allows community members to engage with police officers and others in public safety, while enjoying food, entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Since National Night Out was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, it was great to see communities getting back together and reconnecting in-person.
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Cheering on Montgomery County’s Olympians of yesterday and today
Montgomery County has a rich history of athletic achievement. From Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson, to world-renowned Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes, to our current multi-time gold medal swimmer, Katie Ledecky -- who we all cheered for as she competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics -- Montgomery County’s excellence in athletics is documented through our enormous pool of national and international talent.
Last week, my colleagues and I joined Council Vice President Gabe Albornoz and former Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes to dedicate a statue in her honor, which will be permanently placed in front of the future site of the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center.
Dominique Dawes was one of the first Olympic gymnasts to speak out about her experience under the toxic environment created within the sport of gymnastics. She has since opened her own gymnastics gym in Clarksburg and is leading the charge to change the world of gymnastics by creating a safe, healthy, and supportive space for the next generation of gymnasts. It was a delight to come together to honor Dominique and express our gratitude for everything she’s doing for young gymnasts in Montgomery County and to shift the culture of the sport. If you missed it, you can watch the commemoration here.
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Montgomery County considers new indoor mask mandate
“We all have to take precautions to make sure we're doing everything we can to prevent other people from getting sick,” Hucker said. “There's a certain amount of social pressure. If [people] see other people wearing masks, they wear a mask. If nobody's wearing a mask, they feel silly wearing a mask. So, let's all do the right thing indoors.”
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County Council Approves Business Improvement District in Silver Spring
When established, the bill would create a business improvement district in Silver Spring for all businesses of the Silver Spring Urban District (SSUD). It would help promote the economic growth of Downtown Silver Spring and enhance the work of SSUD along with the Silver Spring Regional Services Center
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COVID-19 Vaccinations
As cases increase nationwide, we urge all residents that haven’t received their COVID-19 vaccines to make their first-dose appointments at County clinics as soon as possible to protect, their loved ones and their communities. Clinic dates, times, and vaccine types are all listed on the County website. The vaccination schedule is updated daily. Residents can also walk into a County-run vaccine clinic without an appointment.
Young people 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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COVID-19 Eviction Protection
Residents struggling to pay their rent have a few eviction protection options available through the County:
- Apply for rental assistance of up to $12,000 through the County’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program.
- Contact a support organization. Spanish-language assistance is available as well.
- Go to court if called – there is free legal help at court for eviction protection.
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Small Business Summer
Throughout the month of August, the County is celebrating “Small Business Summer” and asks residents to share stories about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their own small businesses. Share your story here: https://tinyurl.com/njbnnyky.
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Job Search Help Through MCPL
If you need help with your job search, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has resources available for residents in English and in Spanish. Take advantage of the following sessions in August:
- Every Monday in August - H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) Sessions
- 8/9 - Job Search Strategies (in a Pandemic)
- 8/12 - How to Prepare for your Virtual Job Interview
More information: https://tinyurl.com/tba249ur
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