Saturday 3/21 Update: COVID-19 Resources in Baltimore

Dear Baltimore, 

As the coronavirus pandemic affects our beloved Baltimore, this is an especially important time for you to be kept in the loop with the latest information and updates regarding COVID-19. I want you to know that I will not stop fighting for your health and safety and I encourage you to keep your spirits up and your heads high as we learn about and cope with this virus together.

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 a beautiful spring weekend, please remember: staying inside could save someone's life.

As always, I’m here for you. I’ll continue sharing the most updated information on my social media pages. Continue asking questions during my live updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Please continue looking out for your neighbors and supporting one another. Baltimore is resilient. We have the leading public health experts in the world in our city. We have residents coming together to support each other in mutual aid, picking up groceries and prescriptions for elderly neighbors and ensuring people get the care and support they need during this pandemic.

Right now, all of us have to come together and do our part. 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 190 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland, with 11 in Baltimore City. Our state has experienced two coronavirus-related deaths: one in Prince George's County and one in Baltimore County.

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: 68
• Prince George's County: 31
• Baltimore County: 19
• Baltimore City: 15
• Anne Arundel County: 15
• Howard County: 19
• Harford County: 5
• Carroll County: 3
• Charles County: 4
• Frederick County: 1
• Talbot County: 1
• Calvert County: 1
• Wicomico County: 2
• Worcester County: 1
 

State of Emergency Mandates

On March 5, Governor Hogan declared a State of Emergency for Maryland, which also applied to Baltimore City. This week, Mayor Young called for a local State of Emergency. Any resident who does not abide by the mandates set forth is breaking the law and subject to penalty.

The Governor put in place a number of state mandates to help stop the spread of the virus:

• All public gatherings of 10 people or larger are prohibited;
• All bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms across the state are closed - drive-through, delivery and carry-out services can continue;
• Gatherings larger than 50 people are prohibited;
• 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;
• Malls and enclosed shopping centers have been closed.

 

Food Distribution Sites for Youth This Weekend

Baltimore City is giving out grab-n-go breakfast and  lunch for youth this Saturday and Sunday at 57 recreation center and mobile meal route sites across the city.

The following fifteen Mobile Meal Routes will offer grab-n-go breakfast (B) and lunch (L) between 8AM-5PM.

 Eastside:

• 3000 E. Madison St., 21205 8-8:30 a.m. (B) 12-12:30 p.m. (L)
• 425 N. Chester St., 21231 8:40-9:10 a.m. (B) 12:40-1:10 p.m. (L)
• 2401 Belair Rd., 21213 9:20-9:50 a.m. (B) 1:20-1:50 p.m. (L)
• 4400 Parkside Dr., 21206 10-10:30 a.m. (B) 2-2:30 p.m. (L)
• 3400 Ellerslie Ave., 21218 10:40-11:10 a.m. (B) 2:40-3:10 p.m. (L)

 Westside:

• 1600 N. Dukeland St., 21216 8-8:30 a.m. (B) 12-12:30 p.m. (L)
• 2605 Garrison Blvd., 21216 8:40-9:10 a.m. (B) 12:40-1:10 p.m. (L)
• 3939 Reisterstown Rd., 21215 9:20-9:50 a.m. (B) 1:20-1:50 p.m. (L)
• 3910 Barrington Rd., 21207 10-10:30 a.m. (B) 2-2:30 p.m. (L)
• 5032 Gwynn Oak Ave., 21207 10:40-11:10 a.m. (B) 2:40-3:10 p.m. (L)

 Southside:

• 502 Jack St., 21225 8-8:30 a.m. (B) 12:30-1:00 p.m. (L)
• 2401 Nevada St., 21230 8:40-9:10 a.m. (B) 1:10-1:40 p.m. (L)
• 1200 Gusryan St., 21224 9:40-10:10 a.m. (B) 2:10-2:40 p.m. (L)
• 3411 Bank St., 21224 10:20-10:50 a.m. (B) 2:50-3:20 p.m. (L)
• 100 South Caroline St., 21231 11-11:30 a.m. (B) 3:30-4:00 p.m. (L)

All 40 recreation centers plus the City's 2 acquatic centers will offer grab-n-go breakfast and lunch this weekend between 11AM-2PM. See the image below for locations. The Baltimore City Health Department has created an interactive map of food distribution sites that will allow you to find the closest distribution site near you: bit.ly/38XqBp2

BCPSS will also distribute meals for youth Monday-Friday this next week. My office will communicate next week’s plan once it’s released this weekend. 

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.

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

Public Transportation

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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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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