April 20, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball addressed the still increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county. As of 9 a.m. today, Howard County is reporting 581 confirmed cases, including 460 active, 104 recovered, and 18 total deaths.
“Following the Governor’s announcement today, we can expect increased testing in the coming weeks that will give us a better understanding of the scope of those who are infected, said Ball. “Testing is a critical piece of our recovery and re-opening process, and I’m grateful to the Governor and First Lady for working so diligently on this issue. We are still not at the top of the curve, and must continue to take all mitigation measures seriously, including staying at home as much as possible, keeping physical distance, and practicing healthy habits. This virus has impacted so many people and our hearts are with our residents who have lost loved ones.”
Howard Community College (HCC) has decided to cancel or postpone all college events through the end of June 2020. For more information about HCC’s response to COVID-19 please click here.
Pop Up Pantries - One free bag of food per family from the Howard County Food Bank will be given away this week at Pop Up Pantry sites staffed by the Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD). All in need are eligible to receive a bag of food.
April 22 – 12-3 p.m. (or until food runs out)
Howard Crossing Apartment Homes
8732 Town & Country Blvd.
Ellicott City, MD
April 24 – 12-3 p.m. (or until food runs out)
The Willows at Port Capital
7141 Beverly Drive
Elkridge, MD 21075
Volunteer Appreciation Week
This week marks National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Howard County non-profit organizations, faith institutions, and charities, are relying on thousands of volunteer residents during ongoing COVID-19 response efforts.
“Since the COVID-19 outbreak, our community found creative ways to support one another and leverage their collective talents and resources,” said Ball. “This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are grateful for each Howard County resident who has stepped up to the call for action. To every resident who is putting others’ needs before their own, we thank you for your service to our community.”
If organizations want to get involved with Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) to help at future events, they can email hocoad@gmail.com expressing interest. Individuals wanting to volunteer can visit www.volunteerhoward.org
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) announced their free meal services are extended through May 15.
HCPSS will continue to provide free Grab-N-Go meals to anyone age 18 and under and/or any HCPSS student, regardless of age, throughout state-mandated school closures, extended through May 15.
Participants will be given a Grab-N-Go snack, lunch and dinner for that day, as well as a Grab-N-Go breakfast for the following day. Friday distributions at school-based locations only also will include meals to sustain children through the weekend. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag to carry home meals each day.
Children do not need to be present; parents/guardians may pick up meals for their child(ren). There is no application, enrollment, or fees to participate in this program.
More information, including a list of meal distribution locations, is provided online.