Saturday 3/28 Update: COVID-19 Resources in Baltimore

Saturday 3/28 Update: COVID-19 Resources in Baltimore

Dear Baltimore, 

We are a few weeks into our battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjustments that we have made  have not been easy, but I want to commend every one of you for adhering to the mandates put in place for our safety and for staying home unless absolutely necessary. 

Although it may be difficult to believe now, this will not last forever. But until we are able to return to a sense of normalcy, I understand that many of our residents continue to struggle to make ends meet during this time. Please remember that my office is available as a resource to you: 410-396-4804 and councilpresident@baltimorecity.gov. I will continue to share updated information about food distribution, senior services, City Schools, and more. 

COVID-19 is extremely serious. Even if you don’t have symptoms (fever, tiredness, dry cough, shortness of breath) you can still pass the virus onto someone with a pre-existing condition or compromised immune system. This is real. As we head into the second weekend of spring, please remember: staying inside could save someone's life.

Please continue looking out for your neighbors and supporting one another. Stay inside, wash your hands and surfaces, and check in on your parents, grandparents, and neighbors. If you still have questions after reading today's resource guide, do not hesitate to reach out to me via social media @CouncilPresBMS, call 410-396-4804, or email councilpresident@baltimorecity.gov. 

In service,

 

 

Brandon Scott
Baltimore City Council President

 

P.S.  See information and updates on the Baltimore City Council's website: bit.ly/cpbms-covid

Confirmed Coronavirus Cases in Maryland

As of this morning, there are 992 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland, with 112 in Baltimore City. Yesterday, our state confirmed it’s fifth coronavirus-related death.

Over the last three days, the number of COVID-19 cases in Maryland has more than doubled. These numbers will continue to grow as more people in the city and state are tested. 

This pandemic is not something to be taken lightly. There are mandates in place to protect all of us during this time of uncertainty and they should be obliged to the fullest extent. The current breakdown of COVID-19 cases in by county in Maryland is as follows:

• Montgomery County: 255
• Prince George's County: 196
• Baltimore County: 141
• Baltimore City: 112
• Anne Arundel County: 88
• Howard County: 73
• Frederick County: 22
• Harford County: 21
• Charles County: 21
• Cecil County: 13
• Carroll County:10
• Calvert County: 8
• St. Mary's County: 8
• Wicomico County: 6
• Washington County: 6
• Garrett County: 3
• Kent County: 2
• Talbot County: 2
• Worcester County: 2
• Caroline County: 1
• Queen Anne's County: 1
• Somerset County: 1
 

What We Learned at Our Telephone Town Hall

On Thursday, I hosted a telephone town hall on the latest updates and actions taken on the global COVID-19 pandemic with Dr. Joshua Sharstein of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. We had over 3,800 participants join us and were able to answer many of your questions. Here’s what we learned:

• More than anything else, it is important to stay home as much as possible and maintain physical distance from other people if you must go out. 
• One person has the ability to spread COVID-19 to 2-3 people. The coronavirus has a rate of death that is 10 times higher than the flu.

• If you must work, change your clothes, take a shower, and wash your clothes regularly when you come home. If you’re sick, you should not go to work.

• PHYSICAL distancing is a better term than SOCIAL distancing. You should still be in touch with people in your life. We all need human connection. Make plenty of phone calls, send texts, and chat virtually with your friends and loved ones. 

• There are no medicines that are confirmed to work, unfortunately. Studies are currently underway and we’ll know more in the coming months.

• Personal protective equipment is one of the most important ways to ensure healthcare workers stay safe on the job.

If you missed us on Thursday, don’t worry. We will air our conversation live on my Facebook page, @CouncilPresBMS, Sunday evening. Stay tuned for more details by following me on social media.

 

Baltimore City Public Schools Closed Through April 24

On Wednesday, Governor Hogan announced that public schools will remain closed through Friday, April 24. Even though school buildings are closed, Baltimore City Public School System is developing a plan for remote learning.

For now, students should continue to complete their learning packets and will be available at the 18 City Schools school meal sites, beginning on Monday, March 30. Learning packets are not available at the City Recreation Centers this week. Learning packets are also available here.

 

UPDATED TODAY: Baltimore COVID-19 Asset Map — Youth and Senior Food Sites, Health Care Clinics & Grocery Store Options

Information is coming out fast from multiple sources and ever-changing. I've compiled essential Baltimore COVID-19 resources into a user-friendly asset map. The map has been updated to include youth food sites from today through April 26, which were released last evening.

Our rec center sites and some community food sites are providing food to youth during the weekends. Find a location near you here.

Visit bit.ly/bmorecovidmap to find youth & senior food sites, health care clinics, and shopping options for seniors and people with compromised immune systems. Please share with your friends, family, and neighbors.

To see the list of Youth Food Sites on the Office of Children and Families website, click here. 

 

New State of Emergency Mandates

On March 25, Governor Hogan formally submitted a disaster declaration request for the State of Maryland to the federal government. President Donald Trump granted the request on March 26. The mandate enables the state, local governments and nonprofit agencies to obtain federal funding for disaster unemployment insurance, hazard mitigation and emergency protective measures.

Earlier this month, the Governor put in place a number of state mandates to help stop the spread of the virus. Any resident who does not abide by the mandates set forth is breaking the law and subject to penalty.

• All public gatherings of 10 people or larger are prohibited;
• All non-essential businesses and organizations, including bars, restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, shopping centers, barbershops, salons, and gyms across the state are closed - drive-through, delivery and carry-out services can continue;
• Utility companies may not shut off service to residential customers;
• No late fees will be assessed on utilities;
• No tenants will be evicted during the state of emergency;
• Only ticketed passengers and employees will be allowed inside Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport;
• The use of MARC, Metro, Light Rail and bus service is limited to first responders and essential workers only;
• All childcare centers are closed.

National Guard

For those who have asked, the National Guard is in Baltimore at the request of the Mayor to help distribute meals at schools across the city. They will also be providing logistical assistance to hospitals and medical teams. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office 410-396-4804 or councilpresident@baltimorecity.gov

 

Federal Stimulus Package 

Yesterday, President Donald Trump signed a historic $2 trillion economic rescue plan. This historic stimulus package will offer assistance to tens of millions of American households affected by the coronavirus. It includes stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment coverage, student loan changes, different retirement account rules, and more. 

On Wednesday, I sent a letter to the members of Congress who represent Baltimore, including Maryland’s U.S. Senators, encouraging them to pass a fiscal stimulus that is adequate to meet the grave public health and economic needs created by the global COVID-19 pandemic. I will continue to provide updates as the effects of this legislation begins to manifest within our communities.

 

Childcare Centers Closed 

As of Friday evening, all child care programs are now closed. During the State of Emergency, child care programs have been established by the State to serve designated essential personnel at no cost. 

Eligible programs may be found here or by using the LOCATE: Child Care resource, a telephone service that is available by phone Monday - Friday at 877-261-0060 between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Please see the list of designated essential personnel identified in the Governor’s March 25, 2020 Executive Order. Find additional information regarding the closure of childcare centers here.

 

Senior Centers Closed - Will Provide Boxed Lunches

All City-operated senior centers are closed. The Health Department will provide boxed lunches at the senior centers. If there are factors that prevent participants from picking up a meal, meals can be delivered as an option by calling the Maryland Access Point at 410-396-CARE (2273), for eligibility into the home-delivered meal program. Click here for more information.

 

Grocery Shopping for Seniors & People with Compromised Immune Systems

Giant Food of Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Delaware will offer dedicated shopping hours for senior citizens 60-and-older and individuals with compromised immune systems. Every store in their operating areas will reserve 6-7AM, every day of the week for this vulnerable population to shop and practice social distancing. The stores will operate on regular hours of operation during all other times.

Klein Family ShopRite stores have waived the ShopRite From Home fee and delivery fees for seniors 65 and older, and healthcare workers. If you fall into one of these categories, please make a note in the provided notes section when you place your order.

SafeWay will have special hours for Seniors to shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9AM.

Aldi will have special hours for Seniors to shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9AM.

WholeFoods will allow shoppers over 60 to come to the store at 7AM, which is one hour before opening to the general public.

Walmart will have special hours for Seniors to shop on Tuesdays from 6AM-7AM.

Redner’s Market will be open daily to Seniors from 6AM-7:30AM.

BJ’s Wholesale Club will be open daily to Seniors from 8AM-9AM. 

 

Public Transportation

Governor Hogan has announced that the use of MARC, Metro, Light Rail and bus service is limited to first responders and essential workers only.

All non-disabled passengers will be directed to board through the rear doors of MTA buses and the Charm City Circulator to limit close contact between passengers and drivers. Non-disabled passengers are asked to exit the vehicle from the rear doors.

As always, please allow passengers to de-board before boarding the bus. Disabled passengers will be allowed to board at the front doors.

 

Department of Transportation Ticketing Guidelines 

Baltimore’s Traffic Enforcement Officers have stopped: 

• Booting vehicles
• Towing for unpaid tickets
• Ticketing for 48 hour parking violations, street sweeping restrictions, abandoned vehicles, and residential parking permits.

Please be advised that DOT is still ticketing for meter, peak restriction, bus lane, bus stop, crosswalk, fire hydrant, no parking no stopping, and alley blocking violations.

 

Small Business Support 

Our small businesses are important to us and I know how tough a time this is for them. 

The Baltimore Development Corporation is coordinating with city and state agencies & the federal government to identify resources available for businesses. Let them know how you are being affected by taking their business impact survey: bit.ly/2wc7hXG

BDC launched baltimoretogether.com to serve as a repository of information and a resource for residents and businesses. The website will be continuously updated, so if you would like to suggest a resource, please email info@BaltimoreDevelopment.com.

Small businesses can now apply for SBA emergency loans with 30-year terms, for up to $2 million (depending on your circumstance/collateral). If you prepaid sales and use taxes for March you can also qualify for a refund. For more information, email taxpayerrelief@marylandtaxes.gov or call 410-260-4020.

 

Upcoming Elections:

The Special Primary Election for the 7th Congressional District will take place on April 28, 2020 by mail. 

The Primary Election for citywide offices and the Presidency, originally scheduled for April 28, will now take place on June 2, 2020. More details can be found at boe.baltimorecity.gov/

To request an absentee ballot, visit this website. 

 

Handwashing Guidelines

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

(Information obtained from cdc.gov)

 

Multilingual COVID-19 Resources & Fact Sheets

English
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Français (French)
한국어 (Korean)
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عربى (Arabic)
 

Latest Updates on the Coronavirus

Baltimore City Health Department Updates
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates
Baltimore City Schools Health Updates
 

Get Insured

Information about the Special Healthcare Enrollment Period
Find a Primary Health Clinic (For Uninsured Residents)
 

Follow for Direct Updates

Baltimore City Health Department
health.baltimorecity.gov
Twitter: @BMore_Healthy

Baltimore City Public Schools
www.baltimorecityschools.org/health-updates
Twitter: @BaltCitySchools

Office of Emergency Management
emergency.baltimorecity.gov
Twitter: @BaltimoreOEM

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