March 10, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced today the decision to cancel all official out-of-state travel for County employees for the next 45 days to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Maryland. The cancellation will be reassessed at the end of the 45-day period or at any point should new developments arise. The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) continues to monitor the situation as it evolves in Maryland. Updates on the coronavirus can be found on the County website, or here.
“Given the rapidly evolving nature of COVID-19, we are canceling all out-of-state travel for County employees,” said Ball. “I urge our community and residents to follow Health Department guidelines on unnecessary travel, social distancing, mitigation efforts, and general personal hygiene to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) has been actively engaged in reviewing existing plans if a local response is needed, participating in regular briefings with the CDC and State, and communicating to Howard County clinicians to ensure they are equipped to respond. The Health Department has also developed guidance for our many local partners and agencies, public and private schools, providers, businesses, and the public. Additionally, there is a warmline (410-313-6284) to respond to questions from the community. For residents that may have contracted coronavirus and need to be tested – officials urged use of the warmline provided by the Health Department.
The HCHD recommends the following to help prevent illness from this or other viruses:
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water or use alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home from school or work.
- Get a flu shot.