March 25, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Ball will host a Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, March 26th at 6:30 pm to answer questions and concerns from Howard County residents about coronavirus and the local response, the census, and upcoming elections. Residents are encouraged to pre-register and will receive a phone call to join the virtual town hall. Or residents can call in at 855-756-7520 ext. 57556#. The event will also be live-streamed online.
“I want the Howard County community to know that our government is working tirelessly to keep our public safe and informed,” said Ball. “We’re hosting this town hall to provide updates, clarity and reassurance to our residents as we face this challenge. We will get through this together, with collective action, compassion, and kindness.”
Extended closures, cancellations, and information were announced today from around Howard County.
Department of Community Resources and Services
DCRS' Office of Consumer Protection has updated their COVID 19 Consumer Tip Sheet, including information about price gouging and consumer scams.
Department of Recreation and Parks
Howard County Recreation & Parks programs, leagues, and events have been canceled or postponed until April 24, 2020. We will reassess whether to resume programs and leagues in April. For a full list of closures and cancellations, please visit our website at www.howardcountymd.gov/rap.
Enrollment for our 2020-2021 Recreational Licensed Child Care program that starts in August 2020 will still open as planned on April 1, 2020 at 8am. Our ability to take calls will be limited and therefore we recommend that you register online if possible. To register, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/ or call 410-313-7275.
Howard County Library System
Howard County Libraries are now closed until further notice. All checked out items can be held onto, and all fees are waived. HCLS has significant eContent available online, including e-books and e-audiobooks; streaming TV, movies, and music; online classes; and digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines. All you need is your library card and PIN. If you don’t yet have a library card, apply online and use your temporary number. And don’t forget to take the 2020 Census! It’s all available at hclibrary.org 24/7.
Howard County Police Department
The police youth programs that have been suspended until further notice are: Police Youth Explorer, BearTrax After-School Program, Elementary School Reading Program, PLEDGE Youth Program, Teen Court and Head Start.
Howard County Public School System
Per the State Superintendent, schools will be closed through April 24th. HCPSS is providing updates and detailed messaging to parents, students, and teachers.