November 25, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, County Executive Calvin Ball announced the County has met its recent goal to stockpile a 90-day supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) ahead of the winter months. The stockpile includes masks, gloves, face shields, eye protection, gowns, booties, sanitizer, and disinfectant. The 90-day supply is based on projected needs from each County Department and is tracked by the Office of Emergency Management.
“In May, when we announced our HoCo RISE Framework, we set important benchmarks to ensure that Howard County was prepared to handle a surge of COVID-19 cases,” said Ball. “Our original goal was to have at least a one-month supply on hand, but in anticipation of a fall surge of cases, I charged our County to reach a new goal of a 90-day supply of PPE. This critical equipment is vital to ensuring the health and safety of our County employees – including our paramedics, police, fire and rescue personnel, and others who keep our government operations and services running throughout this crisis.”
“While Howard County has reached its 90-day personal protective equipment goal for County departments, we aren’t stopping there,” said Mike Hinson, Director of the Office of Emergency Management. “We will continue to monitor rates of use by departments and adjust the stockpile accordingly.”
“The procurement of a more than a 90-day supply of PPE will ensure the safety of first responders, health care workers and other essential workers in case of supply chain disruptions or other emergency needs,” said Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer.