COVID-19 Update
, Senator Shelly Hettleman – D11
COVID 19 Update, Information and Resources
Date: April 6, 2021
There are currently 419,055 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maryland (an increase of 867 in 24 hrs) with 8,192 deaths (+15) and 57,383 cases, with 1,347 deaths (35 probable deaths) in Baltimore County (4/6.)The MDH site and map will be updated daily and include data by zip code and ethnicity, as we are seeing the disproportionate racial and socioeconomic impacts this crisis is having on our community.
Please use this resource guide, the Baltimore County COVID19 Portal and this MD Financial Relief Guide to help navigate through the many challenges of this unprecedented crisis. Want to get tested- click here for free testing information.
Vaccine Information
All Marylanders ages 16 and above are now eligible to receive the vaccine at all providers. Youth ages 16 and 17 can get Pfizer only (as that is the only vaccine approved for that age group.) Check for vaccine locations and instructions here– walk ups are now available- no appointment needed! If you would like to make an appointment, do so here or call 1-855-634-6829 to schedule over the phone.
Visit the Baltimore County COVID 19 Vaccine Dashboard for updates!
- Fully vaccinated? Congratulations! Check out the CDC Interim Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated to continue keeping our communities safe and healthy.
If you are a medically homebound individual and unable to travel to a vaccine clinic, please email the Department of Health at COVIDVax@baltimorecountymd.gov or call the COVID-19 hotline at 410-887-3816, and someone will contact you to schedule a time to receive your vaccine in your home.
More questions? Maryland Department of Health COVID Vaccine FAQs and Baltimore County COVID Dashboard, Baltimore County Partnership with Uber
You can also reach the Department toll-free at 877-319-1525 with any feedback and specific questions related to the virus or the vaccine. For individuals who may not be able to access the vaccine registry via computer or who need additional assistance, please call 311 or use the Baltimore County COVID 19 hotline 410-887-3816.
If you have any questions or need any support, please reach out to my office 410-841-3131 or shelly.hettleman@senate.state.md.us
COVID-19 Resource Guide
Baltimore County
Health Department
Health Insurance
Health Organizations
Seniors
Closings
Meals & Food Assistance
BCPS Information
Need Help? Emergency Contacts
Want to Help?
Unemployment
Business Resources & Commerce
Arts / Music / Non-Profit Information
Federal Response Information
Transportation
Translated Resources
Other Resources & Helpful Links
The Governor’s Announcements & Updates:
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
- OUTDOOR MASK MANDATE. Masks and face coverings are no longer required outdoors in the State of Maryland. Lifting the outdoor masking order is in line with new CDC guidance.
Face coverings are still required for all Marylanders at all large ticketed venues as well as indoors at all public and private businesses and when using public transportation. Marylanders who are not yet vaccinated are strongly encouraged to continue wearing masks, especially when physical distancing is not possible.
Read the updated executive order.
EFFECTIVE SATURDAY, MAY 1:
- OUTDOOR DINING. Standing service may resume outdoors at bars and restaurants and all restrictions related to outdoor dining capacity and distancing will be lifted. Seated service and physical distancing requirements will remain in place indoors at bars and restaurants.
Read the updated Maryland Department of Health guidelines.
- MEDICAL ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS TO REOPEN. Medical adult day care centers may reopen, with facilities able to set appropriate restrictions and safety measures. Read the order.
- QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS LIFTED; TRAVEL ADVISORY REMAINS IN PLACE. Quarantine requirements and other restrictions on out-of-state travel will be lifted. A Maryland Department of Health (MDH) travel advisory will remain in place, and Marylanders continue to be encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 upon their return from out-of-state travel. Read the updated MDH directives
- Rumor Control- Get the facts
- Schools will be providing up to 3 meals a day for all students. Locations can be found HERE
- Child care resources can be located HERE or by calling 1-877-261-0060
For documents related to COVID19 in other languages- click HERE
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Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the County’s Coordinated Response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
Baltimore County is currently aligned with the state of Maryland’s reopening actions and face covering requirements. For more information, visit the state of Maryland’s website for the latest statewide reopening and recovery guidelines.
Baltimore County officials will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and determine the appropriate course of action to keep Baltimore County residents safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
RESOURCES IN THE COUNTY
Use Baltimore County’s COVID-19 Response Hub to find statistics, information, and resources within the County.
Baltimore County Health Department Hotline
The Baltimore County Department of Health has a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns about COVID-19: the number is 410-887-3816. The hotline is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Maryland Health Connection information HERE or call 410-500-4710
Baltimore County residents can reserve a slot for a free COVID-19 test online.
Baltimore County Free COVID Testing Sites:
Dundalk—Dundalk Health Center
Open Mondays. Bilingual staff onsite.
7700 Dunmanway, Dundalk, Maryland 21222
Lansdowne—Lansdowne Health Center
Open Mondays. Bilingual staff onsite.
3902 Annapolis Road, Lansdowne, Maryland 21227
Randallstown—Liberty Family Resource Center
Open Mondays.
3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, Maryland 21133
Timonium—Maryland State Fairgrounds
Open Tuesdays and Thursdays. Drive-through clinic.
2200 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093
Windsor Mill—New Antioch Baptist Church of Randallstown
Open Wednesdays and Fridays.
5609 Old Court Road, Windsor Mill, Maryland 21244
Residents can check with their local pharmacies about testing availability and can call the Baltimore County COVID-19 Hotline at 410-887-3816 with other coronavirus-related questions. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Insurance Update: Enroll Now
As part of the state’s overall response to the coronavirus, and in an effort to prioritize health and safety, Maryland Health Connection opened a new special enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders. Marylanders can enroll at MarylandHealthConnection.gov or by calling 1-855-642-8572 from 6am-11pm weekdays. Trained navigators are available by phone. For more information, click HERE
Health Organizations & Information
The American Diabetes Association is providing support and guidance to constituents impacted by diabetes, who are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. You can access helpful resources, understand your risk, know your legal rights, and connect with community at diabetes.org/coronavirus. Make sure you know how to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and what to do if you or a loved one develops symptoms. In addition, many people are now facing unexpected financial hardships. If you are struggling to pay for insulin, the ADA has resources to help – visit InsulinHelp.org.
Questions? The American Diabetes Association is here to help during this challenging time: click here or call their Center for Information at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).
Other Diabetes Resources: The Lilly Insulin Value Program allows anyone with commercial insurance and those without insurance to fill their monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35. The program is effective today 4/7 and covers most Lilly insulins. Details and more information can be found in the press release here: https://e.lilly/2wjEr7J.
Maryland Humanities: Making time to stay connected with friends, family, and community is vital—especially right now. Join us next week as we launch a new online project. We’ll pose a question each week as a conversation starter, some serious and some just for fun. You will find the questions on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Comment on the posts or call our hotline at (443) 484-TALK and leave a message that we’ll share later. We hope you’ll join us in this new project. #LetsTalkMaryland
if you had been diagnosed with COVID 19 please click HERE
Seniors
The Maryland Department of Aging offers a senior check in call service-free! Simply register HERE and receive a daily check in call. For information on protecting older or vulnerable adults, click HERE.
Senior Centers will be re-opening beginning May 17th. For more information click here.
If you are a senior, or contacting us on behalf of a senior, with food access needs, call 410-887-2954 or email aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov
For guidance on shopping information click HERE
Boxes will be distributed by appointment only at the following locations.
| Location | Appointment Days and Times |
|---|---|
| Ateaze Senior Center (East) 7401 Holabird Avenue Dundalk, Maryland 21222 | Thursdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. |
| Catonsville Senior Center (South) 501 Rolling Road Catonsville, Maryland 21228 | Thursdays |
| Liberty Resources Center (West) 3525 Resource Drive Randallstown, Maryland 21133 | Tuesdays |
| Parkville Senior Center (North) 8601 Harford Road Parkville, Maryland 21234 | Tuesdays |
Anyone unable to travel to these locations should contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-887-2594 to discuss other food options with the MAP staff.
Click HERE to find D11 restaurant delivery options
Baltimore County Services
Baltimore County Libraries will begin a phased re-opening starting May 17th. For details and locations, click HERE. Virtual programs and Curbside pickup available. Digital resources are available 24/7.
Department of Recreation and Parks: All Department of Recreation and Parks buildings are closed to the public until further notice. County parks remain open to the public, but playground equipment, dog parks, skate parks, comfort stations, and portable toilets are closed.
CCBC : Classes via remote instruction only.
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Baltimore County Public School Updates
COVID 19 Resources and Information for Educators
BCPS Helpful links:
https://www.bcps.org/system/coronavirus/
- Child care needs? LOCATE services can be found HERE or by calling 1-877-261-0060
- Please continue to check the BCPS Coronavirus Updates webpage under FREE MEAL SITES for the latest list
Baltimore County Meals & Food Assistance
Baltimore County Meals- Food Assistance
Baltimore County School Fall Meals information: Here
Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Food and Nutrition Services Fall Meal Distribution 2020 Baltimore County Public Schools will provide school meals, at no cost, to all children ages 2-18 by curbside pickup or by bus delivery. For details, click HERE.
ON-LINE SNAP PURCHASING WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING MAY 27
If you have questions or need assistance with food access, call 410-887-2594 or email food@baltimorecountymd.gov or for more information click HERE
Baltimore County Food Assistance Information
Click HERE for Baltimore County meal distribution locations. The following locations will offer grocery pickup every Saturday 11-1. Locations with * will also offer Grab-and-Go meals from 4 to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on a first come, first served basis.
- Arbutus Community Center, 865 Sulphur Spring Rd, Halethorpe, MD 21227
- Bear Creek Elementary School, 1607 Melbourne Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222
- *Cockeysville PAL Center, 9836 Greenside Dr, Cockeysville, MD 21030
- Colgate Elementary School, 401 51st St, Baltimore, MD 21224
- *Dundalk PAL Center, 15 Commerce Place Dundalk, Maryland 21222
- Eastern Regional Park, 11723 Eastern Avenue Baltimore MD 21220
- Edgemere Elementary School, 7201 North Point Rd, Edgemere, MD 21219
- Edmondson Heights Elementary School, 1600 Langford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21207
- Fullerton Elementary School, 4400 Fullerton Ave, Nottingham, MD 21236
- Grange Elementary School, 2000 Church Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222
- Halethorpe Elementary School, 4300 Maple Ave, Halethorpe, MD 21227
- Hereford Senior Center, 510 Monkton Road, Monkton MD, 21111
- *Hillendale PAL Center 1111 Halstead Road Baltimore, Maryland 21234
- Lansdowne Elementary School, 2301 Alma Rd, Baltimore, MD 21227
- *Mars Estates PAL Center 1498 East Homberg Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21221
- Martin Boulevard Elementary School, 210 Riverton Rd, Baltimore, MD 21220
- Parkville High School, 8711 Avondale Rd, Parkville, MD 21234
- Perry Hall Elementary School, 9021 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD 21236
- Randallstown Elementary School, 9013 Liberty Rd, Randallstown, MD 21133
- Reisterstown Senior Center, 12035 Reisterstown Rd, Reisterstown, MD 21136
- *Scotts Branch PAL Center 3651 Rolling Road Baltimore, Maryland 21244
- *Shady Spring PAL Center 8876 Goldenwood Road Baltimore, Maryland 21237
- Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center 323 Sollers Point Road, Dundalk, Maryland 21222
- Warren Elementary School, 900 Bosley Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
- West Town Elementary School, 401 Harlem Ln, Catonsville, MD 21228
- *Winfield PAL Center, 8304 Carlson Lane Baltimore, Maryland 21244
- Woodbridge Elementary School, 1410 Pleasant Valley Drive, Baltimore, MD 21228
- Woodmoor PAL Center, 7111 Croydon Road Baltimore, Maryland 21207
- If you have questions or need assistance with food access, call 410-887-2594 or For further information, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 443-809-7855 email food@baltimorecountymd.gov or for more information click HERE
Available Restaurant Services: BaltCo To-Go
Restaurants can self-report whether they are offering services during this time by completing the County’s online form. Restaurant operators can share their location and what services they are providing, and the data collected will populate an interactive online map, BaltCo To-Go, that residents can search.
Click HERE to find D11 restaurant delivery options
Need Help? Emergency Contact Information
Need help? Click HERE for Baltimore County support services
Baltimore County Resource Guide
Consumer Financial Relief Resources
Sheppard Pratt’s Virtual Walk-In Clinic
Mental health and well being are essential. For support and resources, click HERE
The MD Network Against Domestic Violence has a list of help: House of Ruth 24 Hour Hotline 410-889-7884, Turn Around 24 Hour Helpline 443-279-0379, or for immediate danger dial 911.
Baltimore County support to prevent domestic violence HERE
Beware of scams associated with this crisis.The Attorney General has released guidance and information HERE and HERE.
Johns Hopkins University: Resources and information click HERE
LifeBridge: Offers guidance for accessing healthcare. For more information, click HERE
BGE: BGE is taking steps to expand awareness of programs in place to help customers through temporary or extended financial hardship. BGE customers can apply for energy assistance through the Maryland Department of Human Services, by visiting a Local Energy Assistance Office, or by contacting the Office of Home Energy Programs. Download our Community Resource Guide for a complete list of resources. For your awareness, the Maryland Governor’s moratorium on residential service terminations expires Sept. 1, and the Maryland Public Service Commission issued an order Aug. 31, which prohibits formal utility termination notices to residential customer until Oct. 1 and utility disconnections of any residential customer’s service until after Nov. 15.
BGE is reminding customers that there are many flexible payment option and energy assistance programs available for customers having difficulty keeping their accounts current. Recognizing the financial challenges on some customers as a result of the pandemic, BGE will continue to work with customers to ensure the continuation of their gas and electric services.
Following guidance from the Maryland Public Service Commission, BGE has expanded billing and payment options to include:
- Elimination of down payment/security deposit requirements to secure a payment arrangement
- Extension of payment periods for balances for a minimum of 12 months for residential customers or 24 months for customers receiving energy assistance from the state’s Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)
BGE will also connect customers to agency energy assistance funds to which BGE has increased contributions.
The most important step that residential customers who are not current on their BGE bill can take is to contact BGE at 1.800.685.0123 and BGE.com/assistance as soon as possible. Customers should never wait until they are in crisis to contact us. The time is now.
Verizon: Verizon announced for the next 60 days, it will waive late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus. Additional Verizon expanded data plans and services can be found HERE.
Comcast:
- Free “Internet Essentials” Service: Low-income families who live in a Comcast service area can sign up for 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service if you apply by May 13, 2020. To sign up, applicants can simply visit www.internetessentials.com or by calling 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
- Free Public Wi-Fi Hotspots: Any resident can now access hundreds of Comcast public Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the County. Locations available at: https://wifi.Xfinity.com
Assistance & Volunteers Needed– Can you help?
Maryland hospitals are desperately seeking “powered air purifying respirators” or “PAPRs” to equip medical professionals for the coming wave of corona cases. Contact: Brain Schott (443)417-5738 or for more information click HERE
The District 11 Team has come together to match folks needing a hand with folks who want to lend a hand! For more information, click HERE
Baltimore County has established a COVID19 Emergency Response Fund to be managed by the Baltimore Co. Community Foundation to promote public health and support residents during this crisis. For more info. or to contribute, click HERE
Baltimore County Together- Donate, Volunteer, Find Resources HERE
A coordinated statewide effort for outreach and volunteers: Maryland Unites can be found HERE.
Baltimore County Student Support Network is asking for your help with essential needs. For more information, click HERE.
LifeBridge Health seeks volunteers to help make masks for health care providers, using material and equipment donated by Under Armour. Sewers and non sewers can sign up to volunteer HERE
Emergency Grocery Card Drive for Food: From the Student Support Network- we need to replenish our grocery gift cards to purchase more food for distributions next week and possibly after, and for staff to distribute to students/ families facing hunger.
Grocery stores: Giant, Safeway, Aldi, Shoppers, Weis- Cards of $15 to $50 in value are best to divide for students and families
Options:
- Donate funds on the website below; choose “Emergency Grocery Card Drive” under donation categories – www.studentsupportnetwork.org
- Mail grocery cards to Student Support Network, 1740 E. Joppa Rd., Suite 200, Baltimore 21234
- Do an individual or group drive for cards – if you collect 10 cards or more and would like to drop them off, contact Jess at execdirector.ssn@gmail.com and we will arrange a pick-up.
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Unemployment Help
Consumer Financial Relief Resources
Maryland Unemployment Insurance
Maryland Division of Unemployment BEACON One-Stop Application. You will be able to file a claim for many different unemployment benefit programs using this one application. You will also use this site to request your benefit payments by filing your weekly claim certification HERE
BEACON Tutorial Information HERE
What information will I need before I apply? Find a list HERE
Need other information about your claim? The Department of Labor Information for Claimants can be found HERE
New online tool provided by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to help determine Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) eligibility.
If you, or someone you know has lost their job as businesses have been forced to temporarily close, Maryland’s unemployment insurance program is here to help pay the bills and keep families on their feet. Thanks to legislation passed in the Maryland Senate, Maryland has temporarily waived the work search requirement for individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Additionally, Maryland does not require a lapse between unemployment and eligibility for benefits.
Other Frequently asked Questions can be found HERE
Need to file a missing claim certification? Click HERE
Frustrated? Here is the latest update from the Governor’s Communication Office as of 4/8
Need a job? For current job openings and resources click HERE
IRS Rebate Check, also known as Stimulus money-click HERE Find out if you are eligible HERE and for more information click HERE
Baltimore County Business Resources
Information on Baltimore County business grants can be found HERE
The COVID-19 Small Business Restaurant Grant Program (SBRGP) is a $3 million fund (allocated funds from the State of Maryland’s RELIEF Act) created to specifically aid Baltimore County restaurants and food service establishments, with priority given to those who have never applied for a County grant or participated in a reimbursement program,and continue to have capacity restraints during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- About the Program
- Reimbursement Terms and Use of Funds
- Eligibility
- How to Apply—Application Instructions and Required Documents
- Application Review and Approval
- More Information
Small Business Emergency Relief Programs
Maryland relief for small businesses
Maryland Business Relief Wizard
The Maryland Business Relief Wizard is a tool that helps connect businesses with the resources and programming for which they’re eligible, streamlining the process of finding support.
Arts / Music / Non-Profit Information
Arts Organizations: The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has created special grant opportunities that provide emergency funding to arts organizations and artists in Maryland as they adjust to losses sustained because of programming, operations, and events that have been modified or cancelled. Full guidelines and rubrics are available here.
- County Executive Olszewski is making available $100,000 to provide $1,000 stipends for up to 100 artists to help them recoup some of their financial losses due to the pandemic.
- Beginning Tuesday, May 12, 501c3 organizations in good standing or organizations with a fiscal sponsor can submit online grant applications to provide emergency needs up to $15,000 at www.bcf.org/emergencyresponsefund
- Grants will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted, and priority will be given to lower income artists, making $37,500 or less per year. Applicants will submit a streamlined application, document their artistic portfolio, and must be adult Baltimore County residents over the age of 18. The application process will open on May 11, 2020 and details will be available on the Baltimore County Office of Tourism and Cultural Arts webpage
Federal Response
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was passed by Congress are intended to assist individuals, families, and business owners with whatever needs they have right now. For a small business guide to the CARES Act compiled by Senator Cardin, click HERE
For a comprehensive overview of COVID19 support available from the federal government, check the following federal representatives:
- HERE for Sen. Cardin
- HERE for Sen. Van Hollen
- HERE for Congressman Rupersberger
- HERE for Congressman Sarbanes
Resource lists include information on: families and individuals, health care, direct payments, housing assistance, child care, nutrition assistance, seniors, student loans, international travel, workers and small businesses, unemployment, emergency leave, loans and grants, tax relief, contracting and more.
Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The bill text is available here, and a section-by-section is here.
FAQ on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) can be found HERE
Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
The federal government is beginning to announce programs to further support workers and small businesses and legislation works its way through Congress. The Small Business Administration (SBA) currently has two disaster loan programs available to all small business owners. Information on the programs can be found below and more information can be found HERE.
- Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program: This program provides targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
- SBA Express Bridge Loans: This program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan.
Transportation
MTA will run on a modified schedule FAQ’s can be found HERE
All Electronic Tolls-All drivers should KEEP MOVING through toll plazas without stopping. Cash payment lanes will operate as video tolling (cashless) lanes. Motorists who usually pay with cash will be mailed a Notice of Toll Due for the cash toll rate. For more info click HERE
Translated Resources
Translated Resources or documents related to COVID19 in other languages- can be found HERE
Respuesta de la Administración Hogan al COVID-19: Recursos para Marylanders en Español
Aquí está el número de la línea directa en español 667-600-2314
Guia de recursos de asistencia para inmigrantes en el estado de Maryland Guide and CASA Resources
Other Resources
The following links will help you learn more about specific groups, travel advisories and other important information about COVID-19.
- COVID-19 Website
- COVID-19 Fact Sheet
- Global Map of Virus Spread
- Guidance for Healthcare Professionals
- Guidance for High-Risk Groups
- Guidance for Infection Control
- Guidance for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women & Children
- Preventing COVID-19 Community Spread
- Resources for Healthcare Facilities
- Situation in the United States
- Travel Alerts
- What You Should Know
Take care, practice an abundance of caution, and don’t hesitate to reach out should you need assistance.
Sincerely,
Shelly Hettleman
Senator, District 11
203 James Senate Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
shelly.hettleman@senate.state.md.us
410.841.3131