May 15, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County has added hospital capacity data to the COVID-19 Dashboard. The additional section of the dashboard breaks down the Howard County General Hospital’s (HCGH) intensive care unit (ICU), acute beds, and ventilators that are in use and available. As one of the key metrics in County Executive Ball’s HoCo RISE framework, this data will be considered as Howard County moves towards reopening parts of our economy.
“Howard County General Hospital, a member of the Johns Hopkins System, is our only hospital, and a critical piece of how we are combatting the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ball. “These metrics will guide our decision making and provide additional information to our residents who can track our progress alongside the Health Department and our experts. HCGH has been a supportive and transparent partner throughout this process, and we’re incredibly lucky to have their team looking after us.”
The goal is to ensure that capacity always exceeds utilization, which is currently met. An additional goal is to have an adequate care site plan in the event that utilization exceeds capacity. Howard County Government and HCGH are currently working on the alternative care site plan with the state.
Howard County Recreation & Parks cancelled all camps through June 14 following State, County, and CDC guidelines. Decisions on this year’s summer camps will continue to be made throughout the summer, at least two weeks prior to a camps starting date. Since large gatherings are not allowed under the State’s Phase One, Recreation & Parks has also cancelled weddings at all County-Owned facilities through July 1. All participants of any cancelled event of program will receive a full refund.
In response to the County’s framework, Recreation & Parks is also opening the Rockburn Branch Park’s Skills Park and the three equestrian rings at Schooley Mill Park.
The Maryland Department of Labor has released four new videos to help claimants navigate their BEACON One-Stop account. You can find these videos on the Maryland Department of Labor website, social media pages, and YouTube channel.
• Overview of Claimant Portal - https://youtu.be/OdEBipYJ5sA
• Viewing and Completing an Action Item - https://youtu.be/Yk2Amq8iIbw
• Viewing Messages - https://youtu.be/FM-e_eSIBtY
• Viewing Correspondence - https://youtu.be/OKs1bGUMVt8
Feed Howard County will be delivering microwaveable meals on the following dates and locations for residents in need:
May 20th at 4 p.m.
Howard Crossing Apartment Homes
8732 Town & Country Blvd, Ellicott City
May 23rd at 4 p.m.
Selbourne House at Dorsey Hall
5320 Dorsey Hall Drive, Ellicott City
The Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is ramping up efforts to address traffic safety as incidents of excessive speeding on county roadways have increased in recent weeks. Howard County officers will be focusing on serious traffic safety violations, such as excessive speeding, driving under the influence and other violations observed to be high-risk behavior. With no road congestion or rush hour delays to slow traffic, drivers have been observed racing past other cars, pedestrians and even police officers in recent weeks.
On every traffic stop, Howard County officers will wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves and protective eyewear. Drivers and passengers in a stopped vehicle will be strongly encouraged to wear masks during their limited interaction with the officer. Police are urging drivers in Howard County to SLOW DOWN. With enforcement underway, safe drivers have the opportunity to save themselves a speeding ticket while at the same time, possibly saving lives. Read the HCPD news release here.
The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence has issued a guide to new Virtual Offerings via WebEx during the remainder of May. The County is offering more than 30 virtual programs to engage, inspire and motivate our older residents. This includes exercise classes in various formats and levels, as well as lifelong learning, social and creative opportunities. The guide includes instructions how to use WebEx for free, descriptions of each class and other opportunities to stay engaged and learning while we stay safe at home.