My Update to Baltimore Residents on COVID-19

Dear Baltimore, 

As you know, I conduct my leadership of this city through a lens of transparency and equity. As the coronavirus pandemic is creeping closer and closer to home for all of us, I feel that this is an especially crucial time for our residents to be kept in the loop regarding the decisions being made by your government. To that end, I would like to provide you with the latest updates I have received regarding the impact of coronavirus in Baltimore.  

During this time, I have been in contact with Mayor Young and the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology so that Councilmembers and their staff can have the flexibility to telework. My office is currently exploring options for those employees. We want to ensure the City has procedures set in place in the event that this becomes a necessity. I have also met with the Baltimore Department of Human Resources and the Department of Communications Services regarding options for how members of the public can continue to interact with their Councilmembers remotely through livestreaming and teletownhalls. I hope to have concrete recommendations on these items in the upcoming days. 

Lastly, yesterday I put out a series of proactive steps to reduce the risk of the spread of the coronavirus. It is important that we allow the business of the Baltimore City Council to continue with the participation of the public. I remind everyone that in the wake of this pandemic, we will have expanded coverage of Baltimore City Council meetings. Members of the public can view hearings that are not broadcast by CharmTV (Channel 25), in addition to regular meetings of the City Council, on my official Facebook page, @CouncilPresBMS. See a schedule of upcoming meetings and hearings here. 

An archive of previous Council meetings and hearings can be found on CharmTV’s YouTube page.

In all, as your Council President, your health and safety are of the utmost importance to me and at the forefront of my mind as I make any decision during this time of uncertainty. I encourage you all to look out for your neighbors, support one another, and ultimately keep your spirits high. Baltimore is resilient. We have public health officials, medical professionals, and faith and community leaders who have all of our best interests at heart and who we must trust to keep us safe and healthy. 

You can trust that I will continue to post the most updated information on my social media pages,  and I encourage you to lean on your City Councilmembers for guidance and support as well. 

As always, I am here for you. We will come out of this stronger than ever before. 

Your Council President, 

Brandon M. Scott