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Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19 for Latest Updates
May 10, 2020 | Bookmark and Share
Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
Dear Friends,
I think all of us are grappling with the ongoing toll of physical distancing. I’m just like you. I want to go out, get together with friends, or go to a restaurant. But I realize, and hope you understand, that we’re not ready for that yet. We are working toward a gradual reopening, but we cannot do so until the public health and science guidance recommend it.
The number of residents with COVID-19 in Montgomery County continues to grow. We are the largest county in Maryland and have the second highest number of cases in the State. Unlike other areas such as western Maryland, we have many more densely populated areas. We need to base our reopening on the facts, or otherwise we are going to end up repeating what we are going through right now.
One of the most important tools needed for a successful reopening is testing, and we are in the process of scaling ours up. We are contracting with additional sources of testing, and we have companies lined up to process those tests. We have already increased our testing substantially and will be doing even more, soon.
Continuing to stay at home, and only traveling when it is absolutely necessary, is in all of our best interests. Our actions are helping to minimize the spread and a possible second wave. It would be a huge mistake to let up too soon and have this expand even further.
And while you’re at home – please remember to vote! This primary has been changed to a mail-in election. You should be receiving a ballot to fill out and return soon. If you don’t receive it by this Friday, contact the Board of Elections. You can check whether you’re registered by going to visit the voter lookup tool of the Maryland State Board of Elections or text CHECK to 77788. The primary election date has been changed to June 2 (even though the ballot you receive will have the original April 28 date). For more information, go to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Please hang in there with us. We will update you frequently. Ultimately, we need to make local decisions that are based on the local conditions here in Montgomery County. We want everyone to be safe as we consider what is right for our community.
Marc Elrich, County Executive
Reopening Info
Stay At Home Except Essential Travel
There are new guidelines about acceptable outdoor recreation in Maryland. Governor Hogan has said it is ok to participate in activities such as boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hunting and driving in off-road vehicles. But remember, they can only be done with members of your household. Tennis and golf do not have the household restrictions. Regardless, when you are around other people, Montgomery County’s Public Health Officer says it is still necessary to wear a face covering. For more information about these newly permitted activities, see MD Outdoor Activities Information.
Watch Dr. Gayles Video
Time Warp: Transit Riders with Face Coverings
Everything old is new again! The last time the whole world was severely impacted by a global health crisis was the 1918 flu pandemic. Even 102 years ago, people knew wearing face coverings was an important step in protecting everyone in their community. In the photo on the left, a trolley conductor in Seattle warned a rider that he needed a face covering to board. The photo on the right is a current Ride On driver wearing a protective face covering.
Please remember that although our Ride On buses are free, they should only be used for essential trips. State guidelines say, when you are on the bus, you are required to wear a face covering. A very limited supply is available on some routes as part of a pilot program for passengers without them. Visit the Ride On Essential Modified Service Plan page to learn more about how to safely use our public transit.
Ride On Info
Leave No Neighbor Behind: Knights of Columbus Donates Food to Local Hospitals
Knights of Columbus members in Silver Spring and Kensington have a long tradition of hands-on volunteer work in their community. But sheltering in place makes those efforts challenging. Recently, members wanted to support our hard working first responders and help out small local businesses. The result: They have partnered with locally owned 4 Corners Pub in Silver Spring to provide meals to nurses, doctors, and hospital staff on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.
They have already provided meals to more than 700 workers at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Adventist White Oak Medical Center, and the VA Hospital in Washington, DC. They plan to make another delivery to MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney on May 14.
“It started small and grew big,” said Russell R. Sutton Jr., Knights of Columbus member. “The 455 members of our organization stepped up and made a difference,” which is all part of the organization’s "Leave No Neighbor Behind" program.
We truly appreciate all who want to be involved as we face this emergency together. To find out more about how you can help, please visit the Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s COVID-19 website.
Click Here to Help
Local Company Pivots to Making Masks
"Listen to your mother" is great advice; but it has been a particularly good source of guidance for Montgomery County small business owner, Dan Walsh.
Walsh owns Lightning Wear Apparel in Kensington. When 75 percent of his sports uniform business dried up because of COVID-19, his mother suggested the company start making masks. Since mid-March he has made 60,000 masks. They have been purchased by cleaning companies, roofing contractors and hospitals. He’s even sent some of the State flag masks to Marylanders now living overseas.
Watch Their Story
Muslim Community Gives Back
While the work of the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF) usually focuses on Gaithersburg, Germantown and Rockville, during the COVID-19 pandemic they have stepped up for all Montgomery County residents. Early in the response to the pandemic, members of the group contacted the Food Security Task Force and asked how they could help.
Last week, 300 boxes of food were packaged by MCMF volunteers to help families in need who are served by the Linkages to Learning program at Greencastle Elementary School in Silver Spring. Staff from the County’s Department of General Services picked up several pallets of boxed food and delivered it to the school for families to pick up.
The mission of the MCMF is to “undertake initiatives and programs to feed the hungry and homeless, help the needy among us to live a better life, and to create a hunger-free and hate-free society.”
The Montgomery County Food Security Task Force is a collaboration of the County Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Food Council, and other nonprofit organizations.
Click Here to Help
May 10, 2020 | Bookmark and Share
Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
Dear Friends,
I think all of us are grappling with the ongoing toll of physical distancing. I’m just like you. I want to go out, get together with friends, or go to a restaurant. But I realize, and hope you understand, that we’re not ready for that yet. We are working toward a gradual reopening, but we cannot do so until the public health and science guidance recommend it.
The number of residents with COVID-19 in Montgomery County continues to grow. We are the largest county in Maryland and have the second highest number of cases in the State. Unlike other areas such as western Maryland, we have many more densely populated areas. We need to base our reopening on the facts, or otherwise we are going to end up repeating what we are going through right now.
One of the most important tools needed for a successful reopening is testing, and we are in the process of scaling ours up. We are contracting with additional sources of testing, and we have companies lined up to process those tests. We have already increased our testing substantially and will be doing even more, soon.
Continuing to stay at home, and only traveling when it is absolutely necessary, is in all of our best interests. Our actions are helping to minimize the spread and a possible second wave. It would be a huge mistake to let up too soon and have this expand even further.
And while you’re at home – please remember to vote! This primary has been changed to a mail-in election. You should be receiving a ballot to fill out and return soon. If you don’t receive it by this Friday, contact the Board of Elections. You can check whether you’re registered by going to visit the voter lookup tool of the Maryland State Board of Elections or text CHECK to 77788. The primary election date has been changed to June 2 (even though the ballot you receive will have the original April 28 date). For more information, go to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Please hang in there with us. We will update you frequently. Ultimately, we need to make local decisions that are based on the local conditions here in Montgomery County. We want everyone to be safe as we consider what is right for our community.
Marc Elrich, County Executive
Reopening Info
Stay At Home Except Essential Travel
There are new guidelines about acceptable outdoor recreation in Maryland. Governor Hogan has said it is ok to participate in activities such as boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hunting and driving in off-road vehicles. But remember, they can only be done with members of your household. Tennis and golf do not have the household restrictions. Regardless, when you are around other people, Montgomery County’s Public Health Officer says it is still necessary to wear a face covering. For more information about these newly permitted activities, see MD Outdoor Activities Information.
Watch Dr. Gayles Video
Time Warp: Transit Riders with Face Coverings
Everything old is new again! The last time the whole world was severely impacted by a global health crisis was the 1918 flu pandemic. Even 102 years ago, people knew wearing face coverings was an important step in protecting everyone in their community. In the photo on the left, a trolley conductor in Seattle warned a rider that he needed a face covering to board. The photo on the right is a current Ride On driver wearing a protective face covering.
Please remember that although our Ride On buses are free, they should only be used for essential trips. State guidelines say, when you are on the bus, you are required to wear a face covering. A very limited supply is available on some routes as part of a pilot program for passengers without them. Visit the Ride On Essential Modified Service Plan page to learn more about how to safely use our public transit.
Ride On Info
Leave No Neighbor Behind: Knights of Columbus Donates Food to Local Hospitals
Knights of Columbus members in Silver Spring and Kensington have a long tradition of hands-on volunteer work in their community. But sheltering in place makes those efforts challenging. Recently, members wanted to support our hard working first responders and help out small local businesses. The result: They have partnered with locally owned 4 Corners Pub in Silver Spring to provide meals to nurses, doctors, and hospital staff on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.
They have already provided meals to more than 700 workers at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Adventist White Oak Medical Center, and the VA Hospital in Washington, DC. They plan to make another delivery to MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney on May 14.
“It started small and grew big,” said Russell R. Sutton Jr., Knights of Columbus member. “The 455 members of our organization stepped up and made a difference,” which is all part of the organization’s "Leave No Neighbor Behind" program.
We truly appreciate all who want to be involved as we face this emergency together. To find out more about how you can help, please visit the Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s COVID-19 website.
Click Here to Help
Local Company Pivots to Making Masks
"Listen to your mother" is great advice; but it has been a particularly good source of guidance for Montgomery County small business owner, Dan Walsh.
Walsh owns Lightning Wear Apparel in Kensington. When 75 percent of his sports uniform business dried up because of COVID-19, his mother suggested the company start making masks. Since mid-March he has made 60,000 masks. They have been purchased by cleaning companies, roofing contractors and hospitals. He’s even sent some of the State flag masks to Marylanders now living overseas.
Watch Their Story
Muslim Community Gives Back
While the work of the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF) usually focuses on Gaithersburg, Germantown and Rockville, during the COVID-19 pandemic they have stepped up for all Montgomery County residents. Early in the response to the pandemic, members of the group contacted the Food Security Task Force and asked how they could help.
Last week, 300 boxes of food were packaged by MCMF volunteers to help families in need who are served by the Linkages to Learning program at Greencastle Elementary School in Silver Spring. Staff from the County’s Department of General Services picked up several pallets of boxed food and delivered it to the school for families to pick up.
The mission of the MCMF is to “undertake initiatives and programs to feed the hungry and homeless, help the needy among us to live a better life, and to create a hunger-free and hate-free society.”
The Montgomery County Food Security Task Force is a collaboration of the County Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Food Council, and other nonprofit organizations.
Click Here to Help
Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19 for Latest Updates
April 23, 2020 | Bookmark and Share
Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
Marc Elrich, County Executive
Hello friends,
I know we are all spending so much time in our homes these days as we work to limit the spread of COVID-19. For some of us that’s nice, but it’s a frightening situation for those experiencing family violence. That’s why this week Montgomery County is launching the Family Violence Awareness and Prevention Campaign. We want people to know where to go if they need help. Despite this health crisis, services are still available for those in need. Please reach out to get the support you deserve. We are here for you.
Marc Elrich, County Executive
Watch Video
April 23, 2020 | Bookmark and Share
Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
Marc Elrich, County Executive
Hello friends,
I know we are all spending so much time in our homes these days as we work to limit the spread of COVID-19. For some of us that’s nice, but it’s a frightening situation for those experiencing family violence. That’s why this week Montgomery County is launching the Family Violence Awareness and Prevention Campaign. We want people to know where to go if they need help. Despite this health crisis, services are still available for those in need. Please reach out to get the support you deserve. We are here for you.
Marc Elrich, County Executive
Watch Video
Bringing Awareness to Family Violence Prevention and Safety
The COVID-19 health crisis is intensifying the dangers that those experiencing family violence face every day. That’s why the County is launching the Family Violence Awareness and Prevention Campaign. This program is an effort to let residents know that resources remain open and free.
These stickers are being posted at County liquor stores and other essential retail businesses such as Founding Farmers and Giuseppe’s Pizza. The stickers include the warning signs of family violence and County agencies that can help. The County wants to make sure that all residents are safe at home.
More Information
The COVID-19 health crisis is intensifying the dangers that those experiencing family violence face every day. That’s why the County is launching the Family Violence Awareness and Prevention Campaign. This program is an effort to let residents know that resources remain open and free.
These stickers are being posted at County liquor stores and other essential retail businesses such as Founding Farmers and Giuseppe’s Pizza. The stickers include the warning signs of family violence and County agencies that can help. The County wants to make sure that all residents are safe at home.
More Information
Thank you, World Central Kitchen for Helping Low-Income Seniors in Silver Spring
On Wednesday, World Central Kitchen (WCK) delivered 189 meals to the residents of The Bonifant at Silver Spring, a Montgomery Housing Partnership affordable senior living community. This delivery was part of WCK’s mission to employ local restaurant workers and bring food to people in need. Every day, WCK is serving more than 5,000 meals to people throughout the Washington DC area, including Montgomery County.
Watch Video
On Wednesday, World Central Kitchen (WCK) delivered 189 meals to the residents of The Bonifant at Silver Spring, a Montgomery Housing Partnership affordable senior living community. This delivery was part of WCK’s mission to employ local restaurant workers and bring food to people in need. Every day, WCK is serving more than 5,000 meals to people throughout the Washington DC area, including Montgomery County.
Watch Video
Feeding Those in Need During COVID-19
Where Can You Go for Help?
The Montgomery County Food Council has a full list of local resources to help people in need. See the website link below for information on food assistance, benefits, help for seniors, and resources for low income residents.
Food Council Website
Where Can You Go for Help?
The Montgomery County Food Council has a full list of local resources to help people in need. See the website link below for information on food assistance, benefits, help for seniors, and resources for low income residents.
Food Council Website
New Testing Sites Announced
Montgomery County health officials are expanding appointment-only COVID-19 testing in the County. A new drive-thru testing site is now open at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center, and another site will open in Germantown on Monday, April 27.
“We continue to expand testing capability for Montgomery County residents,” said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles. “These drive-thru sites will further our goal of providing access to needed testing.”
To qualify for testing at any of the State or County sites, individuals must meet testing criteria as determined by a licensed healthcare provider and have an appointment.
Read more
Lea el comunicado en Español
Montgomery County health officials are expanding appointment-only COVID-19 testing in the County. A new drive-thru testing site is now open at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center, and another site will open in Germantown on Monday, April 27.
“We continue to expand testing capability for Montgomery County residents,” said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles. “These drive-thru sites will further our goal of providing access to needed testing.”
To qualify for testing at any of the State or County sites, individuals must meet testing criteria as determined by a licensed healthcare provider and have an appointment.
Read more
Lea el comunicado en Español
For the latest updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.
Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19 for Latest Updates
April 16, 2020 |
Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
I am saddened to announce the first County employee death due to COVID-19. Michael Miller was a motor pool attendant at the Silver Spring Ride On depot. His family is allowing us to share this news. Michael had worked for our County since 2011. He was 60 years old. He leaves behind a wife and two adult children. In his honor, I have asked that all County flags be lowered to half staff. My thoughts go out to his wife and children and the entire Ride On family.
Marc Elrich, County Executive
April 16, 2020 |
Message from County Executive Marc Elrich
I am saddened to announce the first County employee death due to COVID-19. Michael Miller was a motor pool attendant at the Silver Spring Ride On depot. His family is allowing us to share this news. Michael had worked for our County since 2011. He was 60 years old. He leaves behind a wife and two adult children. In his honor, I have asked that all County flags be lowered to half staff. My thoughts go out to his wife and children and the entire Ride On family.
Marc Elrich, County Executive
Apply Now: Public Health Emergency Grant Program
The Montgomery County Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) program is designed to provide financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofits in Montgomery County (including sole proprietorships and independent contractors) that have experienced significant financial loss caused directly or indirectly by a public health emergency. Local businesses may be eligible for grants of up to $75,000.
Apply Online
Lea el comunicado en Español
The Montgomery County Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) program is designed to provide financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofits in Montgomery County (including sole proprietorships and independent contractors) that have experienced significant financial loss caused directly or indirectly by a public health emergency. Local businesses may be eligible for grants of up to $75,000.
Apply Online
Lea el comunicado en Español
Montgomery County Department of Transportation Requires Ride On Bus Passengers to Wear Face Coverings
All passengers boarding Montgomery County Ride On buses are required to wear face coverings. Customers who do not comply will be advised of the requirement to wear a face covering and may not be allowed to board the vehicle.
These steps are being taken to help riders performing essential travel protect each other and bus operators during the COVID-19 health crisis. All Ride On bus operators were provided with County-issued face coverings earlier this week.
Read More
Lea el comunicado en Español
All passengers boarding Montgomery County Ride On buses are required to wear face coverings. Customers who do not comply will be advised of the requirement to wear a face covering and may not be allowed to board the vehicle.
These steps are being taken to help riders performing essential travel protect each other and bus operators during the COVID-19 health crisis. All Ride On bus operators were provided with County-issued face coverings earlier this week.
Read More
Lea el comunicado en Español
Thanks for the Many PPE Donations!
Montgomery County appreciates the many people and businesses that have donated personal protective equipment (PPE). People from across the County have dropped off unused PPE and handmade face coverings at two drive through donations tents.
A special shout out to the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center Inc (CCACC) in Gaithersburg, for donating 5000 surgical masks to our front line healthcare providers.
Thank you to everyone who has donated. Our first responders, nursing homes, and other medical providers appreciate your support!
If you can help, donations are accepted at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, located at 2000 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and at Montgomery County Public Safety Headquarters, located at 100 Edison Park Drive in Gaithersburg from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Donations are also accepted online:
Click Here to Donate
Montgomery County appreciates the many people and businesses that have donated personal protective equipment (PPE). People from across the County have dropped off unused PPE and handmade face coverings at two drive through donations tents.
A special shout out to the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center Inc (CCACC) in Gaithersburg, for donating 5000 surgical masks to our front line healthcare providers.
Thank you to everyone who has donated. Our first responders, nursing homes, and other medical providers appreciate your support!
If you can help, donations are accepted at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, located at 2000 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and at Montgomery County Public Safety Headquarters, located at 100 Edison Park Drive in Gaithersburg from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Donations are also accepted online:
Click Here to Donate
Department of Permitting Services – Open for eBusiness!
The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is fully committed to providing a broad range of uninterrupted services to keep businesses operating. From street vendors, to commercial enterprises and construction companies, local businesses are keeping their doors open and their workers employed while the public receives the benefit of their goods and services.
DPS plays a pivotal role in keeping the local economy running in these uncertain times.
Testimonials:
Doug Holmes, Project Manager with Harkin Builders in charge of a new 107-unit Domiciliary Care Home facility in Olney called Cadence “DPS has been invaluable in their assistance, coordination, and communication as we proceed to begin this project during these difficult circumstances. We can’t express enough how important it has been for our company and all those impacted by the success of this project that we can depend on DPS now more than ever.”
DPS Website
The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is fully committed to providing a broad range of uninterrupted services to keep businesses operating. From street vendors, to commercial enterprises and construction companies, local businesses are keeping their doors open and their workers employed while the public receives the benefit of their goods and services.
DPS plays a pivotal role in keeping the local economy running in these uncertain times.
Testimonials:
Doug Holmes, Project Manager with Harkin Builders in charge of a new 107-unit Domiciliary Care Home facility in Olney called Cadence “DPS has been invaluable in their assistance, coordination, and communication as we proceed to begin this project during these difficult circumstances. We can’t express enough how important it has been for our company and all those impacted by the success of this project that we can depend on DPS now more than ever.”
DPS Website
Hampden Lane Liquor & Wine Store Reopens in Bethesda
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has reopened the Hampden Lane Liquor & Wine store in Bethesda. It was closed for more than two weeks after a store employee tested positive for COVID-19.
“We’ve thoroughly cleaned the Hampden store and have asked all our staff who have come into contact with the employee to voluntarily self-quarantine for two weeks,” said ABS Retail Chief Kent Massie. “Thankfully, no other employees have shown symptoms after the two-week period and have returned to reopen the store.”
Read More
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has reopened the Hampden Lane Liquor & Wine store in Bethesda. It was closed for more than two weeks after a store employee tested positive for COVID-19.
“We’ve thoroughly cleaned the Hampden store and have asked all our staff who have come into contact with the employee to voluntarily self-quarantine for two weeks,” said ABS Retail Chief Kent Massie. “Thankfully, no other employees have shown symptoms after the two-week period and have returned to reopen the store.”
Read More
New System for Filing for Maryland Unemployment
The State of Maryland has a new system for filing for unemployment that is designed to make the process easier for claimants:
To file an initial regular unemployment claim online or through call centers, please file your claim according to your last name as detailed below:
The State of Maryland has a new system for filing for unemployment that is designed to make the process easier for claimants:
To file an initial regular unemployment claim online or through call centers, please file your claim according to your last name as detailed below:
- If your last name starts with A-F, file your claim on a Monday.
- If your last name starts with G-N, file your claim on a Tuesday.
- If your last name starts with O-Z, file your claim on a Wednesday.
- Filing is open to all by phone on Thursdays and Fridays; online on all Thursdays through Sundays.
- Filing later in a week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim.
COVID-19 Guidelines from Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Montgomery County requires that all multifamily building managers follow CDC guidelines as they clean common areas every day. The CDC also recommends more frequent cleanings in high-traffic areas.
Landlords of multifamily buildings must post information in common areas about cleaning, guidance for residents, and eviction suspensions.
Questions? Call 311 (240-777-0311)
For more Information
Montgomery County requires that all multifamily building managers follow CDC guidelines as they clean common areas every day. The CDC also recommends more frequent cleanings in high-traffic areas.
Landlords of multifamily buildings must post information in common areas about cleaning, guidance for residents, and eviction suspensions.
Questions? Call 311 (240-777-0311)
For more Information
For the latest updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.