Howard County provided an update on acquired personal protective equipment (PPE) that has been purchased and donated. The County has worked with other jurisdictions to place bulk orders of PPE, accessed the strategic national stockpile, and received many donations, including supplies from Howard Community College and HOWARD County Public School System.

Today, County Executive Calvin Ball helped distribute groceries to provide much needed food items to restaurant workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.  La Palapa Grill and Cantina in Ellicott City partnered with Saval Foodservice to distribute the groceries to more than 350 people.  

Howard County is compiling mental health resources and support for residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Ball has been keen on raising awareness and providing more mental health services to youth, launching the “It’s OK to Ask” campaign in 2019.  

A Howard County construction project to repair a portion of the curb along eastbound Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia is scheduled to begin on or about Thursday, April 30. 

The Howard County Health Department has designated 35 staff as Contact Tracing Investigators to track the spread of COVID-19 and prevent community spread. The Health Department aims to nearly double that number by utilizing the Medical Reserve Corps, Howard County Public School System staff who have expressed interest, and new hires.  

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced today that a total of $255,470,000 of General Obligation, Metropolitan District and refunding bonds were priced and sold via a negotiated sale. Refunded bonds are bonds that have been refinanced at a lower interest rate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized six additional symptoms of COVID-19, which could appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms are: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. Previously, the CDC listed just three known symptoms: shortness of breath, cough and fever.

Today, Howard County’s Department of Technology and Communication Services (DTCS) announced a collaboration with the Maryland National Guard Joint Cyber Security Task Force to increase the county’s cyber protection during the pandemic State of Emergency. This partnership will bring additional support, augment Howard County’s existing capabilities, and raise cybersecurity readiness during this time of increased vulnerability.

A Howard County project to conduct test pitting to locate existing underground water, sewer, gas and communication utility lines near the intersection of Main Street and Maryland Avenue and a portion of Tiber Alley is expected to begin Monday, April 27.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball responded to the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery plan announced by Governor Hogan today.  “Today the Governor provided an overview of benchmarks and phases to re-opening and recovery for Maryland,” said Ball. “Howard County will review these standards and they will guide our decisions for re-opening certain aspects of our community, like our parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds." “Today the Governor provided an overview of benchmarks and phases to re-opening and recovery for Maryland,” said Ball. “Howard County will review these standards and they will guide our decisions for re-opening certain aspects of our community, like our parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds..."

Today, Howard County Department of Corrections announced Kimberly Powell, a Correctional Technician, has been recognized by the State of Maryland as Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Civilian Employee of the Year. Additionally, Sergeant Perry Young was recognized as the Howard County Correctional Officer of the Year.

Today, Howard County Government announced a coordinated surge plan with Howard County General Hospital (HCGH). The surge plan focuses on three major aspects of operation: adding physical capacity to the hospital; tracking streamlining and purchasing vital equipment; and identifying and deploying staff to the hospital.

As Maryland prepares to conclude another week of coronavirus mitigation measures, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is encouraging residents to donate blood to ensure the blood supply remains sufficient. 

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced a Solar Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) with KDC Solar, Inc. that would cover approximately 30 percent of the total annual electricity use for County government operations, at no capital cost to the County and providing a total anticipated cost benefit of $1.2 million over the 25 year life of the contract.   

Today, Howard County shared updates on how the Department of Community Services (DCRS) has been working with local partners to provide safe locations for those facing homelessness amid the COVID-19 outbreak. DCRS has provided a total of 27 homeless individuals, including children and unaccompanied youth, non-congregate housing in partnership with a local hotel partner in Columbia. 

A Howard County construction project to improve Guilford Road between Vollmerhausen Road/Mary Lane and Carroll Heights Avenue in Jessup is expected to begin on or about Monday, May 4. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late January 2021.

Today, Howard County launched an online tool for residents to find locations and organizations to drop-off product donations including groceries, toiletries, and cleaning products. There are 12 locations currently listed, and each listing includes a contact, hours for drop-off, and a list of needs.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball addressed the still increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county. As of 9 a.m. today, Howard County is reporting 581 confirmed cases, including 460 active, 104 recovered, and 18 total deaths.  

Howard County received $770,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds to be used in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The County is planning to grant these funds to housing providers (such as the Housing Commission, Bridges to Housing Stability, Heritage Housing Partners and Community Action Council) to provide rent assistance to tenants that could be facing eviction for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19. 

As the County braces for revenue impacts potentially exceeding $35 million in fiscal year 2020 and significant impacts beyond due to the COVID-19 virus, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano jointly announced the partial delay of a plan to eliminate the $39.2 million HCPSS Health and Dental Fund deficit.

Howard County provided guidance to essential businesses on required face coverings for employees, based on Governor Hogan’s Executive Order yesterday. Effective Saturday, April 18th, at 7:00 a.m., all retail establishments and food service staff must wear face coverings in areas open to the public and other staff members, and when interacting with customers.

County Executive Calvin Ball announced progress on multiple lawsuits being filed by Howard County on behalf of residents.

Today, Governor Hogan signed an Executive Order requiring all residents to wear face masks at all stores, pharmacies, or on public transportation, effective Saturday April 18th at 7:00 am. Face coverings can be homemade using bandanas, scarves, or t-shirts or residents may also wear disposable or cloth masks. Tutorials for homemade masks are available online from the Center for Disease Control.

Howard County releases overview of the COVID-19 impact on its operating budget, focusing on the the revenue and expenditure impacts resulting from this pandemic.