Council President Brandon Scott Announces Proactive Steps to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19

Council President Brandon Scott Announces Proactive Steps to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19

Council President Takes Steps to Protect Councilmembers, Staff and the Public

BALTIMORE, MD (March 12, 2020) — Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott announced Thursday a series of proactive steps to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19, also know as the coronavirus, while allowing the business of the Baltimore City Council to continue with the participation of the public.

“As Baltimore’s legislative branch, it is our duty to take proactive steps and precautions to keep the City Council, staff and members of the public as safe as possible,” said Council President Scott. “Our response will be guided by science and  our health professionals.”

Council President Scott is announcing the following steps, effective immediately:

1. All committee chairs should review and assess their schedule of upcoming hearings. Chairs should postpone hearings unless it is “necessary for the effectuation of essential city government business.”
2. All councilmembers and agencies should limit staff attendance at Council meetings and hearings to those deemed essential. All others are asked to livestream the business of the City Council via CharmTV’s livestream or the Council President's Facebook page.
3. The public is encouraged to submit electronic, written testimony on legislation. Submissions should be emailed to councilpresident@baltimorecity.gov with the subject line: “TESTIMONY: (Bill number/name)”.
4. The President encourages staff and members of the public to maintain a safe social distance to prevent the unnecessary communication of germs. 
5. Every other seat in the Council Chambers will be blocked off to enforce social distancing. The President reminds everyone that balcony seating is available to accommodate the loss of floor-level seating. 
6. Hand sanitizer will be made available at the entrance of the Council Chambers prior to and during every Council hearing and meeting. 
7. The President is calling for the reconsideration of all large-scale rallies, meetings, and gatherings, which are currently scheduled and/or are in the process of being planned. All are encouraged to consider virtual alternatives to unnecessary large-scale gatherings. 

On Monday, Council President Scott announced expanded coverage of Baltimore City Council meetings due to growing concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus.

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 Council President Scott’s official Facebook page, @CouncilPresBMS.

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