March 27, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Last night, County Executive Ball hosted a virtual town hall with community leaders to answer questions about coronavirus, the census, and upcoming elections from Howard County residents. More than 15,000 residents tuned in via phone or the Facebook livestream, and submitted 450 questions to the town hall panel. To view the video of the town hall please click here.
“During this uncertain time, I’m thankful we had the opportunity to directly engage with our residents and hear their concerns,” said Ball. “We will continue to work diligently to provide County operations and services, keep our residents informed, and create policies to navigate this crisis effectively.”
Questions that were not answered live, were recorded and will receive a response. Ball asked a serious of poll questions to better understand resident’s concerns. In response to “What is your biggest concern in our community about coronavirus?” 43% responded with availability of testing, 26% said access to food and resources, 21% said taking care of aging residents and children, and 9% said lack of information and guidance.
Another poll also revealed that 58% of respondents completed their 2020 census, and 42% did not. Census forms were mailed to residents earlier this month and should be completed as soon as possible. Census information determines how much federal funds counties receive for the next ten years.
Additionally, Ball is hosting a Virtual Budget Hearing on Monday, March 30th at 6:00 p.m. to hear input on the fiscal year 2021 budget. Registration to testify is closed, however residents can view the livestream of the budget hearing here.
Child Care
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has ordered all private child care providers closed except for those that serve emergency services personnel. MSDE is in the process of enrolling child care providers in a special program to serve emergency services personnel.
The County is currently in the process of enrolling child care providers and is preparing instructions for eligible personnel to enroll in MSDE’s program. This information will be circulated early next week once MSDE finalizes the list of approved providers.
Essential personnel as defined by the Governor’s Executive Order is as follows:
- Public health employees;
- Law enforcement personnel;
- Correctional services employees;
- Firefighters and other first responders;
- Government employees required to work during the state of emergency or catastrophic health emergency;
- Employees and representatives of insurance carriers, and those authorized by the Maryland Insurance Agency to engage in the business of insurance;
- National Guard personnel called to active duty;
- Staff and providers of child care or education services, including custodial staff and food service providers;
- Food distributors and suppliers, including food and supply services or distribution personnel;
- Transportation and delivery services personnel;
- Gasoline service station operators and automobile repair mechanics;
- Critical infrastructure employees, including emergency support personnel for gas and electric utility operations, public works, water treatment, and waste management
- Personnel of other institutions ordered to remain open during the declared state of emergency and catastrophic health emergency;
- Such other persons as the State Superintendent of Schools may designate in one or more orders as Essential Persons.
Howard County Sheriff’s Office has stayed all evictions until further notice.
Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center has a pet food bank available to those who need assistance during the current state of emergency. Those needing help can reach out to them directly at animalcontrol@howardcountymd.gov. If you would like to donate, you can do so through the Amazon wish list online: https://bit.ly/hocoanimalcontrol. Those who wish to drop off donations may leave them under the front overhang of the center, 8576 Davis Road, Columbia. Please review the Amazon wish lists for needs.
Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services is collecting donations of the following new items in the weather-tight bins located outside 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. It is recommended residents bring a pair of gloves or paper towels to wear/use to lift the lid. Requested items are:
• N-95 Masks
• Surgical Masks
• Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)
• Impermeable Gowns
• Medical Gloves (Non-Latex)
• Hand Sanitizer (Not homemade)
• Eye Protection
• Flip down grinding/splash shields
• Cleaning Supplies/Disinfectants
Collections occur during the week from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Or if you have a donation that you would like the County to pick up, please email PPE@howardcountymd.gov.