|
Dear Friend,
I want to share the latest Council updates and news with you.
Breaking news: Montgomery County’s indoor mask mandate ended today at midnight! Keep reading for more on what this means and what you need to know about where and when you still need to wear a mask.
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, stay safe and stay in close touch.
Sincerely,
|
 Tom Hucker
President
Montgomery County Council
|
|
Montgomery County Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate
For the first time since the Council, acting as the Board of Health, reinstated Montgomery County’s indoor mask mandate in August, our county’s COVID-19 case rate has dropped from “substantial” to “moderate” transmission for seven consecutive days, automatically lifting the indoor mask mandate.
|
|
|
|
What does this mean?
Montgomery County's indoor face covering requirement was reinstated in early August when the County reached "substantial transmission" levels for COVID-19. Regarding face coverings, the Board of Health Order states that the indoor mask mandate lifts when the County reaches a "moderate transmission" level for seven consecutive days.
Montgomery County follows guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on transmission levels. According to the CDC, moderate transmission is below 50 cases per 100,000 residents.
|
|
|
Where will I still need to wear a mask?
There is no longer a mandatory statewide masking order in effect. However, in line with CDC guidance, face coverings are still required on public transportation, in schools, and child care and health care settings.
All unvaccinated residents over the age of 2 are strongly encouraged to continue to wear face coverings in all public indoor settings and outdoors where physical distancing is not possible. Businesses, restaurants and workplaces can still implement their own masking policies. Please be respectful and courteous of our local businesses that choose to continue implementing mask mandates on their premises and of residents who choose to continue wearing masks in public places. Learn more about the guidance provided by the State of Maryland.
Montgomery County’s Board of Health orders have been praised by Dr. Fauci and are one of the reasons Montgomery County is a leader nationally in our low case rate. Our health officials will continue to monitor case rates daily to ensure we are setting the appropriate guidance to keep residents safe. Thanks to all of you for continuing to listen to the science, get vaccinated, and take precautions to keep yourselves, your families and neighbors safe.
|
|
Talking Transit With Speaker Jones
I was honored to join House Speaker Adrienne Jones, along with Delegates Eric Luedtke, Marc Korman and Pam Queen, in Burtonsville for a tour of the new Flash bus line Tuesday. We discussed future plans for improvements and expansion of the Flash buses. It was also a great opportunity to discuss transit and economic development opportunities in Burtonsville and East County with Speaker Jones and our representatives in Annapolis.
As a reminder: The Council agreed to keep Flash and Ride On bus fares free through January 2022. The County Executive has recommended raising the fares to $1, but I am advocating to keep them free, at the very least through the end of the fiscal year.
We know that our bus ridership remained relatively steady throughout the pandemic. And we learned through the findings of a fare equity study that the Council requested that the median income of Ride On users is $35,000, compared with the county’s median household income of $108,000. That’s why it’s so critical that we keep these fares free -- especially through this economically challenging time -- for residents who depend on reliable bus services every day.
In an upcoming Transportation and Environment committee session, we will be discussing the issue of a resolution for the future of Ride On Bus Fares. Stay tuned for more.
|
|
|
Submit Your Input on Traffic Stops in Montgomery County
The Policing Advisory Commission is seeking community input on traffic stops. The Policing Advisory Committee would like to hear from individuals who have been stopped while driving by the Montgomery County Police Department to better understand individual experiences with being stopped for a traffic violation and the outcomes from the traffic stop. The Policing Advisory Commission was created in 2019 by the Montgomery County Council in response to the ongoing public dialogue around policing practices and as an effort to increase community involvement in matters of public safety.
Community members are invited to submit their written, audio or video testimony by Monday, November 8. You can submit testimony here and sign up to receive updates from the Policing Advisory Commission here.
|
|
|
|
Youth Town Hall
The Council hosted its annual Youth Town Hall this Wednesday evening. It was a great opportunity to hear from our young people about issues impacting them. Our students asked excellent questions and we covered topics ranging from COVID-19 to youth safety, mental health and environmental issues. If you missed it, you can watch the town hall here.
|
|
 |
|
Source of the Spring: Council Appoints Planning Veteran to Planning Board
“Ms. Rubin has dedicated over 20 years to public service in Montgomery County, including 16 years with Park and Planning,” Council President Tom Hucker (D-District 5) said. “We are thrilled that she will bring her passion for Montgomery County, in-depth knowledge and breadth of experience to the Planning Board.”
|
|
|
Halloween Safety Tips
Health officials recommend the following for a fun and safe Halloween:
- Masks are recommended for unvaccinated children trick or treating outdoors whenever social distancing is not possible;
- Stay on the move while trick-or-treating—less congregating means more houses and more treats;
- Keep trick-or-treating groups small;
- Eat your treats at home, and/or after washing or sanitizing your hands;
- If you are handing out candy, please wear a mask while interacting with children and socially distance. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handing out candy;
- Leave a light on or hang a Halloween sign in your window to let others know your house is participating in safe trick-or-treating;
- Outdoor activities are much safer than indoor activities;
- For indoor activities in public settings, masks are required for anyone age two and older; and
- Do not hand out candy or take part in Halloween events if you are having COVID-19 symptoms, even if you have been fully vaccinated.
|
|
|
Maryland Emancipation Day
Next week, Montgomery Parks begins the celebrations for Maryland Emancipation Day. Events will be held in person and virtually from Nov. 1 through Nov. 6 at Josiah Henson Museum and Park, Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park, and Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.
More information on the programs: https://mocoparks.org/3j2NKgj.
|
|
|
COVID-19 Vaccinations, Third Shots and Boosters
We urge all residents who haven’t received their COVID-19 vaccines to make their first-dose appointments at County clinics. Third doses and booster shots are also available for eligible groups.
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.
If you are a Montgomery County resident with disabilities and/or over the age of 65, there are free taxi rides available to and from COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics: https://tinyurl.com/5b6nj3v2. To schedule a trip, call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252 and get your free taxi code.
If you need help making an appointment, email c19vaccination@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-2982.
|
|
|
Flu Season
With the flu season upon us, we urge all residents to get their flu shots as soon as possible to protect themselves. Flu symptoms are very similar to COVID-19 symptoms, so please make sure to get tested for COVID-19 if you are unsure.
Learn more about the County’s flu vaccination campaign to find locations where you can get your flu shot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
