May 7, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Coronavirus Updates: Unemployment Numbers, Roving Radish Supports Senior Meals, Virtual Town Hall Next Week
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County saw nearly 6,000 residents file for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance over the past week. Since the week of March 7th, nearly 23,000 residents have filed for unemployment with Maryland. The Howard County Office of Workforce Development is available to help connect residents to employers and jobs available in Howard County through its new portal here.
“Our services are more urgent than ever as our residents face job loss and insecurity amid this pandemic,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “The need is great – from food assistance to housing support to keeping everyone safe, we have a large role to play to ensure that we all get through this pandemic together.”
The Office on Aging and Independence is distributing ‘Grab & Go’ meal kits with the support of the Roving Radish program to eligible older adults. The kits provide seven frozen meals, juice, fruit, and bread products. Each kit also includes information about how to reheat the meals, stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recommendations to avoid scams. The Roving Radish program has a refrigerated truck to help store meals during distribution and uses their network to help deliver the meals to some locations around the county.
“Our Office on Aging and Independence coming together with our Roving Radish program is an excellent example of how we’re working across departments to meet the needs of the community,” said Ball. “The innovation of our leaders throughout this crisis has been impressive, and many of the challenges we’ve overcome put us in a better position in the future to provide excellent service to our residents.”
Additionally, Ball is hosting his second Virtual Town Hall next Wednesday, May 13th from 6:30-8 p.m. The event will be streamed live on Facebook and via WebEx. Residents will be able to register online ahead of time later this week.
Recreation & Parks announced the following locations and activities would re-open today following guidance issued by the State of Maryland:
• Timbers at Troy Golf Course
• Park gates
• Tennis courts
• Pickleball courts
• Disc golf
• Bocce courts
• Recreational fishing
• Boating (but not rentals)
Park restrooms and playgrounds will remain closed until further notice.
“In accordance with the Governor’s guidance, we’re easing some of our restrictions for our shared spaces and parks,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “Residents are encouraged to get outside and exercise, but please continue to practice safe physical distancing when visiting our parks. There should still not be large gatherings, celebrations, or cookouts at this time.”
"Now that the Governor has provided guidance, we have decided to open these courts and locations where social distancing can be practiced," stated Raul Delerme, Director of Recreation & Parks. "We hope athletes practice proper hygiene while playing, for example not sharing equipment.”