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Council President's COVID-19 Resources

COVID Asset Map - Visit https://bit.ly/bmorecovidmap

 

The Office of the Baltimore City Council President has compiled a list of vital resources that may be of assistance to our residents during these difficult times. As state and city officials assess the coronavirus pandemic, information may change. Our office will do our best to update the information as we receive it.

While we know many of the resources below may provide direct assistance, you may still need additional assistance or resources that might not be listed below. To provide additional assistance, all residents can dial 211 free of charge, 24 hours day, 7 days a week.

We hope the information provided below is helpful and provides the information or assistance you are seeking. Please feel free to email our office at any time if we can be of any further assistance.

 

*INTERESTED IN GETTING THE COVID-19 VACCINE? Visit the the Baltimore City Health Department’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration website COVID-19 Vaccination Registration (baltimorecity.gov). For more information, click here. You can also visit the Maryland Department of Health’s website to find a vaccination clinic near you and register for an appointment.*

 

BALTIMORE CITY COVID-19 DASHBOARD

The Baltimore City Health Department has constructed a Baltimore City COVID-19 Dashboard and Baltimore City COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard that contains information related to the coronavirus pandemic including real-time data on COVID-19 vaccinations, resources, helpful tips, infographics and much more. This dashboard is vital to ensure you are informed on how to keep you and your loved ones safe during the pandemic. Please visit the website frequently as information is added daily.

To view state COVID-19 data, including vaccination data, please click here.  

 

Racial Health Disparities and Vaccine Inequity

Addressing COVID-19 racial health disparities and vaccine inequities remains of utmost importance to the City Council. It is imperative that we are intentional in targeting root causes of inequities in our city to ensure all residents receive equitable access to health care, including vaccines. To learn more about efforts the City Council President has taken to address vaccine inequities, please click here to view the letter to Governor Hogan calling for current inequities to be addressed effectively and efficiently and please view the Maryland General Assembly’s Emergency Joint Hearing on Vaccine Disparities in Baltimore City and Prince George's County here.

 

Baltimore City COVID-19 Demographic Information: As a delegate, City Council President Nick J. Mosby was one of the first to call for the release of racial and zip code data to be released publicly alongside other demographic data. On April 9, the Baltimore City Health Department published the demographic information of COVID-19 cases by ZIP code, race, age, gender and more. For information, click here.

 

Baltimore City is now in a modified Phase 1 period: Under Phase 1 some indoor and outdoor activities are now allowed with restriction to occupancy. To view Mayor Brandon Scott’s most recent executive order, please click here.

 

Baltimore City Face Covering Executive Order: On April 15, 2020, the Mayor signed an executive order requiring residents to wear face coverings (mask, scarf, T-shirt, bandana, etc.) while out in public. The CDC recommends people to wear any cloth face covering, ideally multiple pieces of fabric, in addition to adhering to social distancing guidelines. You can read more about the Mayor's statement here and read about protective guidelines here: English | Spanish

Federal Stimulus Package 

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) into law. The ARP will provide $1.9 trillion in federal aid to assist American households currently in need. The American Rescue Plan Act includes stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment coverage, funding for COVID-19 mitigation efforts (vaccine, testing, and contact tracing, student loan changes, funding for housing, support for small businesses, educational funding, transportation funding and more).

 

HELP AND SUPPORT

 

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND CRISIS HOTLINES

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the lives of many of our residents. Please know, there are resources available to help you cope during these difficult times. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate assistance, please call the Baltimore Crisis Hotline at 410-433-5175. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; it is free of charge.  If you have difficulty using a standard phone, you may also contact the Baltimore Crisis Hotline by dialing 711.

You may also access crisis hotline services by dialing 211 and pressing 1. This will connect you to Maryland Crisis Connect which also allows you to connect by text (simply text your zip code to 898-211 OR TXT-211), by chat (click here), and by email (info@211md.org). This is also a free service that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have difficulty using a standard phone, and would like to connect with someone by phone, you may also dial 711.

 

You can also receive weekly text messages to support your mental wellness through MD Mind Health, by texting MdMindHealth to 898-211.

 

For additional resources to support health and wellness during COVID-19 pandemic, including a list of Behavioral Health Care Providers, resources for coping with substance use disorder, please visit the Behavioral Health System of Baltimore’s website. Please click on the following links to access resources for intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse.  

 

MARYLAND ACCESS POINT OF BALTIMORE CITY

By calling 410-396-CARE (2273), seniors, adults with living with disabilities, their families, caregivers and professionals can gain access to resources, information, referrals and counseling. Maryland Access Point also serves as a point of entry for individuals who need assistance in registering for a COVID-19 vaccination appointment and for seniors who are interested in getting free grocery box deliveries. For more information please visit Maryland Access Point (MAP)| Baltimore City Health Department.

 

MARYLAND HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE
A new special enrollment period is now open to all Marylanders in need of health insurance during the State of Emergency for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Uninsured Marylanders may enroll through the Maryland Health Connection, the State’s health insurance marketplace, until August 15, 2021. More information is available here.

 

ESSENTIAL RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

 

EVICTION PROTECTION
The Center of Disease Control (CDC) has extended the eviction moratorium to temporally halt residential eviction to prevent the spread of COVID-19 until June 30, 2021. Multiple federal agencies have comprised an FAQ that may be helpful in understanding what types of protections exist under this moratorium.

In Maryland, certain eviction actions are still taking place. If you are facing an eviction and are in need of legal services, you can find a list of resources that are available to you here. You may also call 211 Maryland and someone will be able to assist you.

 

UNEMPLOYMENT

If you are in need of unemployment assistance, please visit the Division of Unemployment Insurance - Maryland Department of Labor website. If you are in need of further assistance in contacting the Department of Labor, please email our office.

 

EMERGENCY FOOD RESOURCES

For a list of emergency food resources, please click here.

 

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Pre-K thru 12)

Reopening Plan: In February 2021, Baltimore City Public Schools began offering in-person learning that will be phased in by grade level until mid-April.  For more information regarding Baltimore City Public Schools’ reopening plan, please visit https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/reopening.

Health and Safety Procedures: Baltimore City Public Schools has implemented health and safety procedures to protect students and staff that are engaged in in-person learning. For information regarding health and safety procedures, please visit https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/safety-procedures.

Meal Distribution Sites: free grab-n-go meals for youth and families are available at nearly 100 sites across the city. Note: Only some sites serve weekend meals. For more information, click here.

 

CHILDCARE CENTERS

 

Childcare programs currently remain in Maryland's Phase 2 plan of reopening. For additional guidance and resources, please click here. During the State of Emergency, child care programs have been established by the State to serve designated essential personnel at no cost. You can find more information on Maryland’s Essential Personnel Childcare Program (EPCC), please click here.

 

PUBLIC UTILITIES & ENERGY SERVICES

 

DPW WATER SHUTOFFS
Since 2017, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works has had an unofficial moratorium in place and will not turn off water service for failure to pay. The Department of Public Works resumed water billing on May 8, 2021. DPW encourages residents to pay online here and by mail: Director of Finance, 200 Holiday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. For more information on Baltimore City water payment assistance programs, please click here.

 

BGE SERVICES
Customers may continue to conduct regular business with BGE 24/7 using BGE.com or the Mobile App.

For updates regarding BGE's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please click here.

If you are in need of financial assistance to pay your energy supplier, please click here for Baltimore City’s Energy Assistance Program.

For the State of Maryland’s Energy Assistance Program, please click here.

For the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), please click here.

COMCAST/XFINITY SERVICES 

Comcast Internet Service: Comcast is offering two substantial program enhancements to their Internet Essentials program to help families deal with this crisis. Comcast will make it easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign up by offering the following:

New customers 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, for residents who apply and are approved before June 30, 2021. After the promotion concludes, residents will incur a monthly cost of $9.95.

Increasing Internet speeds for the Internet Essentials service from 15/2 Mbps to 25/3 Mbps for all new and existing customers, which will be the speed of the service going forward. In this way, Comcast ensures that Internet Essentials customers will be able to use their Internet service for all their increased needs as a result of this health crisis.

Residents who have debt owed to Comcast should still apply for the Internet Essentials service. Qualifications are being waived if residents apply before June 30, 2021.

Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, BWI & CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL

On July 12, 2020, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) resumed normal transit schedules. Riders are required to wear masks at all times and are encouraged to utilize CharmPass and CharmCard as a contact-free payment option.

BALTIMORE CITY MAYORAL OFFICES AND GOVERNMENT AGENICES

 

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF CHILDREN & FAMILY SUCCESS

The Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success offers supportive programs to Baltimore City residents. Many of these programs can provide vital resources to residents during these difficult times.

 

 COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP (CAP) CENTERS
Baltimore City’s Community Action Partnership (CAP) Centers will close to the public beginning Monday, March 16. CAP Center staff will continue to report to the centers to field customer phone calls and process applications for energy assistance and the city’s BH2O water discount program.

 

Key Initiatives

Rental Assistance: The Baltimore City Eviction Prevention Program can assist you if you have received notice of eviction. For assistance, please visit https://www.bmorechildren.com/residents/#rent, call 410-396-5555, or email eviction.prevention@baltimorecity.gov.

Energy Assistance: Community members may apply for energy assistance online or call 410-396-6406.

BH2O: Community members may download the BH2O application and mail in their applications. For information, you may also call 410-396-5555.

BALTIMORE CITY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (DHCD)

The Department of Housing and Community Development has suspended all in-person services for permits, plan reviews (construction and building permits), licensing and registration (property, contractors and alarms). Visit dhcd.baltimorecity.gov and go to the “Permits and Inspections” link to process online, or call 443-984-1809 for Permits and Plans Review, and 410-396-3575 for Licensing and Registration. 

 

List of additional services suspended until further notice: Housing rehab, weatherization, and lead hazard reduction casework, inspections for non-critical 311 service request, re-Inspection of non-critical code violation notices, vacant building boarding, lot maintenance, rodent control, abandoned vehicle towing and tree removal.

Read more here.

BALTIMORE CITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (BCDSS) 
All offices are now open to the public for emergency assistance appointments ONLY. To request an appointment, you may call customer service 443-423-6400. Customer service may also assist you with applying for the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Food Stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP). The following programs are also available:

  • To request emergency food assistance for you or your family, please call 211 or visit the Maryland Food Bank’s website.
  • To report child abuse or neglect, please call 410-361-2235.

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT (MOED) 
The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development has suspended programs and in-person services at its adult and youth service locations. Residents and employers will be able to access services via telephone, email and other digital communications. The Mayor's Office of Employment Development released a website that lists jobs that are hiring in the midst of COVID-19. This website will be updated as more jobs become available. To find more information click here to see the list of job openings.

Customers may contact the centers directly during normal office hours. Please visit moed.baltimorecity.gov/moed-service-locations to identify the nearest location’s contact information.

For the most current updates, please follow MOED on Twitter @BaltMOED and Facebook at Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. Read more here.

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF HOMELESS SERVICES (MOHS)

The City of Baltimore has activated sheltering in place for our homeless neighbors. City-funded homeless day centers will remain open. The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services, the Baltimore City Health Department and the Department of General Services are working to identify a site for community quarantining should our city require it. For information please visit https://homeless.baltimorecity.gov/.

 

Tactical Response Teams: Street Outreach teams immediately pivoting from doing person-to-person engagement to becoming a tactical response team for MOHS. They will continue to provide assistance to encampments through the delivery of preventative care supplies (anti-bacterial soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer when available, etc.) water and food.

Family Shelter in Place: MOHS has activated sheltering in place protocol for family shelter clients. Family shelters will continue to shelter in place until the health emergency improves.

Emergency Shelter in Place: MOHS has activated shelter in place protocol for all emergency shelters for single adults. While shelter clients are able to come and go as they wish, we needed them to have the option not to expose themselves to potential harm by being out in the community for the majority of their days. Emergency shelters for single adults will continue to shelter in place until the health emergency improves.

BALTIMORE CITY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BCDOT)

 

Safety and Towing Division: The Baltimore City Department of Transportation’s Safety and Towing Division offices are currently closed to the public. Residents who have questions or need additional information may call the Pulaski Highway Impound Facility at 410-545-3417.   For more information, please visit, https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/towing.

Right of Way Services Division: The Department of Transportation – Right of Way Services Division is closed to the public. Until further notice, no permit applications will not be accepted in person. This policy will be evaluated and updated on a weekly basis.

Special Event Permit Applications for activities such as Block Parties, Special Events, Ceremonial Street Signs, Event Parking, Horizontal Banner and Street Vending Licenses & Permits can be found online by visiting here: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/special-events-permitting-street-vending-licenses — Applications and questions should be submitted to Specialevents@Baltimorecity.gov. For additional information or to schedule appointments for Mobile Vending Licenses, call 410-396-1916.

Temporary Use of Right of Way Permit Applications for street cuts, street, lane, sidewalk closures, driveway, curb, cuts, dumpsters, scaffolds, storage containers, etc. can be found by visiting here: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/right-way-permits — Applications and questions should be submitted to row.permit.documents@baltimorecity.gov or call 410-396-4508 for additional information.

Minor Privilege Permit Information and Applications can be found by visiting here: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/right-way-services/minor-privilege — Questions can be emailed to jennie.woolsey@baltimorecity.gov or by calling 410-396-3346.

Property: Information regarding property ownership, property research, mailing address changes, property consolidation, subdivision applications, deed cards, block plats, and maps can be found by visiting here: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/property-location-maps-records — Questions can be emailed to propertylocation@baltimorecity.gov or by calling 410-396-3800.

BALTIMORE CITY RECREATION AND PARKS

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) is reopening select Recreation Centers and Special Facilities. BCRP continues to collaborate with, and seek the guidance of, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) regarding COVID-19. For more information, please click here.

 

Permits:  For event permits, please visit the Rec & Parks website or email Park.Permits@baltimorecity.gov.

 

Virtual Rec Centers: The Baltimore City Department of Parks and Recs released a Virtual Rec Center website, which has free video tutorials, crafts, fitness, games, and activities for all ages. The virtual rec center will be updated daily, with links to Baltimore institution's online programming and creative activities to do while practicing social distancing. For more information, click here. 

 

Meal Service: BCRP provides daily meals grab-n-go dinner and snacks at select recreation centers, Monday-Friday, 4 pm-6 pm. You can also obtain fresh produce boxes on Thursdays at 12 pm. Please click here for more information.  You may also call 410-396-2920.

Please note, residents can also use this interactive map of meal sites across the City. To find a meal distribution site near you click here.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

HEALTH GUIDANCE FOR RESIDENTS (CITY, STATE & FEDERAL)

Baltimore City Health Department

Maryland Department of Health

Center for Disease Control

MARYLAND GUIDANCE LINKS FOR REOPENING 

Maryland Guidance (Overall Guidance)

Maryland Guidance - Entertainment and Recreational Attractions

Maryland Guidance - Gyms, Martial Arts and Dance Studios

Maryland Guidance - Accommodations

Maryland Guidance - Construction and Development

Maryland Guidance - Marinas

Maryland Guidance - Personal Services

Maryland Guidance - Professional Services

Maryland Guidance - Restaurants and Bars

Maryland Guidance - Retail

Maryland Guidance - Contact Tracing for Businesses

BUSINESS RESOURCES

State of Maryland: Extensive guidance and an FAQ: https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Labor: Guidelines on preparing workplaces for COVID-19: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Information for employers and employees: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/COVID-19/

U.S. Department of Labor: Information on Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

 

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF

For information on Maryland COVID-19 Relief Programs for businesses, please click here. 

The Baltimore Development Corporation is coordinating with city and state agencies & the federal government to identify resources available for businesses. You can find resources that are available to small businesses in Baltimore City on the Small Business Resource Center webpage.

Please visit Baltimore Together for a list of COVID-19 Business Resources.

 

ADDITIONAL STATE RELIEF

Maryland Healthy Working Families Act: The Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Labor and Industry enforces the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, also known as safe and sick leave, which may be useful for employees who need to take off from work due to COVID-19. To learn more about the law, email ssl.assistance@maryland.gov or call 410-767-3252.

Temporary or Permanent Layoffs: If a business experiences a temporary or permanent layoff, the MD Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance’s Bulk Claim Services can open unemployment insurance claims for all affected employees. Businesses should contact a Claims Representative by emailing dluibulkclaims-dllr@maryland.gov or calling 410-767-3252, or visiting: http://www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/unemployment.shtml

 

Maryland Insurance Administration: The MIA has also put together an FAQ addressing insurance-related questions about coronavirus: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Pages/newscenter/NewsDetails.aspx?NR=2020251

Outdoor Dining/Seating Relief Program

Reimbursement for Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Seating

CITY EMPLOYEES
All Baltimore City employees designated as “telework eligible” will be required to work from home or remote locations until further notice. Our HR professionals work with managers to identify eligible employees and coordinate with the City’s technology office to ensure technology needs are met.

More information for City employees is available in the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Emergency Response Plan.

ENOCH PRATT FREE LIBRARY

The Enoch Pratt Free Library is reopening at reduced capacity. Limited services will be available to library patrons, including browsing and computer use. For more information on reopening and for hours of operations, please click here.

FAMILY LEAGUE OF BALTIMORE
The Family League has set up a page to house updates, general guidance documents, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the virus’s effects on their programs and services: https://www.familyleague.org/COVID-19-response/

GUIDANCE FOR PETS
BARCS Animal Shelter has released the following guidance for pet owners and their pets: https://barcs.org/blog/COVID-19-preparedness-checklist-pet-owners/#

JURY TRIALS
Maryland courts are currently operating in Phase IV. During this phase, non-jury trials will be conducted as well as contested civil, family and juvenile matters. Courts will enter Phase V on April 26, 2021. Criminal jury trials and civil jury trials will begin on April 26, 2021 as practical. For more information, please visit https://mdcourts.gov/coronavirusinformationforpublic.

CITY-ISSUED LICENSES AND PERMITS
All licenses that expire March 5, 2020, and after are extended until 30 days after the end of Maryland’s State of Emergency, in line with the Governor’s order for the state.

STATE-ISSUED LICENSES AND PERMITS
Expiration of all State-issued licenses and permits are suspended until 30 days after the MD State of Emergency has been lifted by the Governor.

MULTILINGUAL GUIDANCE 
The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs (MIMA) has released guidance in Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean and Arabic, and links to downloadable, shareable PDFs. A Russian translation will be available shortly.

You can find these multilingual resources on MIMA’s website: mima.baltimorecity.gov/coronavirus

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON MARYLAND TAX FILING

 

New Tax Filing Deadlines

May 17, 2021: The deadline to file your federal income tax has been extended till May 17, 2021. To find out more information about the updated deadlines, please click here.

July 15, 2021: The deadline to file your state income tax has been extended till July 15, 2021. To find out more information about the updated deadlines, please click here.

If you have questions regarding 2020 income tax filings and payments please email taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov. If you currently have a payment plan for tax payments and you are having difficulty making those payments you can email COVID19@marylandtaxes.gov

 

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