Not Tax Day

I hope you and your loved ones are safe & healthy!  We’ve all developed a “new normal,” and I hope you’re adjustment is without too many difficult bumps. To those of you working on the front lines either in healthcare as a medical professional or as an essential worker in a grocery store, delivery service, etc., thank you for your service during these difficult times. 

I wanted to share some new information I’ve learned recently that I hope will be helpful — 

MASKS

The Governor issued an executive order today that requires face coverings in grocery stores, retail establishments, and all public transportation to slow the spread of COVID-19. This order goes into effect Saturday at 7 am.  To learn more about how to make a face mask, please click here. 

TESTING

As you may know, the availability of coronavirus tests is severely limited. Because there are a limited supply of testing materials, it is important to reach out to your medical professional if you have symptoms of the coronavirus (fever, dry cough, loss of taste/smell, etc). You can read about testing here, but there are a few new resources that may be of interest to folks in or near District 11.

Lifebridge Health is providing drive-through testing at the Pimlico Race Track. In order to use that site, you MUST call 410-601-2222 to make an appointment.

A new site will be available on Thursday, April 16^th, and will be available only on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, 2200 York Road, 21093. Access will require an appointment via a healthcare professional.

Residents with questions or who need assistance can call the Baltimore County COVID-19 Hotline seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 410-887-3816.

CONFIRMED CASES OF CORONAVIRUS DATA IN AND AROUND DISTRICT 11 (data as of 4/15/20)

If you would like to see the statewide data, it is updated each day at 10:00 am, and you may click here.

FOR ANYONE WHO HAS RECOVERED FROM THE CORONAVIRUS

The state has created a new program – COVIDConnect – for people who have recovered from the coronavirus and would like to share your experience or connect with others, please visit here for a secure portal.

ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS

Many people have been asking when they can expect their economic impact payment from the federal government. Today, we just learned that you can track the progress here.

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS

There are a number of federal, state, and local resources that we have detailed in prior newsletters available to individuals and businesses. We continue to update and expand our resource list that you can access here.

My District 11 colleagues and I have compiled a list of local restaurants in and around the district that are open and providing carry-out services. We know local restaurants are suffering because of the Stay-at-Home orders. Our list is by no means exhaustive, so if you know of others, please let us know and we can add them to our list.

UPCOMING ELECTIONS

7^th Congressional District – if you are a resident of CD 7, you have an upcoming election on April 28^th. If you are a registered voter, you should have received your Vote-by-Mail ballot in the mail. It is already postmarked, so you need not add postage, but please remember to MAIL it as soon as possible. For any questions about the 7^th Congressional District election, click here.

Maryland’s Primary Election – you may recall that the primary election (originally scheduled for April 28^th) was postponed until June 2^nd. The Governor is urging everyone to Vote-by-Mail. You do NOT need to request an absentee ballot – it will be mailed to you at the address where you are registered. If you would like to request that it be mailed to a different address, you can click here. There will be a few sites for voting in person (only if absolutely necessary) that I can share when they are available.

The 2020 Presidential election season is upon us. Along with Delegate Dana Stein and many others, I am helping to coordinate Baltimore County’s effort to support Joe Biden as our Democratic nominee. We’re beginning by phone banking into other states that have upcoming elections and have a session scheduled for this Friday, April 17th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Please respond to this email to let me know if you’re interested in being involved. Thank you!

AMAZING THINGS HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY

Mary Pinkard has long been interested and involved in bringing wellness to the community. She is offering FREE classes in Qijong, a Far Eastern practice of bringing harmony to the mind, body, and spirit. Many of us can use some help bringing calm to our spirits these days, so you can sign up to participate at Mary’s website, here. 

Lifebridge continues to make Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and is looking for volunteers. Temperatures are taken, social distancing adhered to, and you can be a part of bringing much-needed safety equipment to medical personnel. To sign up for a stint this weekend, please click here. 

The Maryland Food Bank is being called upon to deliver tons of food that was not in their budget. If you’re able, please consider volunteering here or making a donation to support their incredible efforts here. 

Finally, please hold the date – April 28th at 7:00 pm – for our District 11 Town Virtual Hall where we will have some special guests available to provide the latest information and answer your questions.

We know this last month has been especially challenging, but we also know that we’ll make it through these tough times working together. Thanks to everything you’re doing to keep yourself and your friends, relatives & community safe by #stayingathome. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,