Saturday Baltimore COVID-19 Updates & Resources

Dear Baltimore, 

It's been another busy week in the City Council. I presided over the third virtual City Council meeting on Monday where I introduced legislation to assist renters during the State of Emergency. I worked to secure funding from the Children and Youth Fund to address students impacted by the digital divide. The City Council voted to extend Baltimore's local State of Emergency to continue to keep residents safe during this public health crisis. 

Additionally, on Thursday morning, the City Council’s Taxation, Finance, and Economic Development Committee, chaired by City Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton, held an informational hearing on the implementation of the Water Accountability & Equity Act. I called this hearing to make sure we're on track as a city to get our residents water bill relief now.

The Department of Public Works Acting Director Matthew Garbark stated during the hearing that the administration is not expecting to be able to fully implement the program by the July 13 implementation deadline outlined in the law. I understand that COVID-19 has impacted our work as a city government, but it is my full expectation that this legislation is implemented on time. Getting water bill relief to our residents is more important than ever.

Recap the hearing and access an archive of previous hearings and City Council meetings on CharmTV’s YouTube page.

As always, remember that my office is here to help and answer your questions: 410-396-4804 and councilpresident@baltimorecity.gov. I will continue to share updated information about food distribution, senior services, City Schools, and more on my social media @CouncilPresBMS. 

Continue looking out for your neighbors and supporting one another.

In service,

Brandon Scott
Baltimore City Council President

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

Confirmed Coronavirus Cases in Maryland: 

As of Saturday morning, there are 24,473 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland, with a total of 1,156 deaths statewide.

Baltimore City has a total of 2,237 confirmed cases and 117 out of the 1,156 COVID-related deaths. Again, these numbers will continue to grow as more people in the city and state are tested. The current breakdown of COVID-19 cases in by county in Maryland is as follows:

County
Cases
Deaths
 

Allegany
121
(8)
 

Anne Arundel
1,885
(86)
 

Baltimore City
2,237
(117)
 

Baltimore County
3,183
(125)
 

Calvert
160
(10)
 

Caroline
79
 
 

Carroll
480
(46)
 

Cecil
187
(8)
 

Charles
622
(45)
 

Dorchester
59
(2)
 

Frederick
976
(52)
 

Garrett
4
 
 

Harford
468
(10)
 

Howard
931
(19)
 

Kent
80
(4)
 

Montgomery
4,919
(256)
 

Prince George's
47,041
(257)
 

Queen Anne's
57
(8)
 
 

St. Mary's
164
(7)
 

Somerset
32
 
 
 

Talbot
39
(1)
 

Washington
225
(6)
 

Wicomico
452
(10)
 

Worcester
72
(2)
 

Data Not Available
 
(77)
 

Governor Hogan has also pushed for COVID-19 stats on Nursing Homes. These statistics are now accessible to the public at: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/hcf-resources

Baltimore COVID-19 Asset Map

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. 

Use the map to find youth & senior food sites, health care clinics, and shopping options for seniors and people with compromised immune systems. 

City Council Virtual Hearing 

This week, the City Council will continue to hold hearings virtually, via the WebEx platform. Members of the public will be able to participate virtually during the public comment period as they would in person. You may find the latest Baltimore City Council Virtual Hearing Schedule (updated this week), as well as access information for each hearing at this link. There are upcoming hearings on topics including:

• Wednesday, 5/6 @ 1:00PM—  Inclusionary Housing Requirements, Land Use Comittee 
• Tuesday, 5/12 @ 3:30PM— Legislative Oversight Hearing - Homeless Shelters in Baltimore City, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee
• Wednesday, 5/20 @ 1PM—  Baltimore City Critical Area Management Program, Land Use Committee

Please note, the "Du" Burns Council Chambers will be closed to the public for all hearings.

 

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. 

Meal Distribution Sites

Starting Monday, March 30 through Friday, May 15, City Schools is providing grab-n-go meals to all Baltimore children and youth (18 and under) at 18 meal sites. The meals will be available from 10am-2pm and children and adults can each receive 4 meals/person.

Visit www.bmorechildren.com for more information on daily meal sites and times. 

Unemployment Insurance

The Maryland Department of Labor has launched a new unemployment insurance application called the Beacon One-Stop.Starting today, all newly eligible Marylanders can file unemployment insurance claims entirely online — including those who are self-employed, gig workers, and those who previously filed by phone. 

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.

Intimate Partner Violence

Baltimore Artist Emergency Relief Fund

Baltimore’s artistic community keeps our city vibrant and creative with art and performances that can inspire, uplift and spark community change. Like many others at this time, our artistic community is experiencing a devastating economic impact due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) crisis. As Baltimore’s Arts Council, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is committed to providing necessary economic support and guidance to artists, especially in times like these. As we look toward recovery, we will need our artists’ creativity and commitment to keep us moving forward.

The Baltimore Artist Emergency Relief Fund is a coalition-led initiative designed to provide direct assistance to Baltimore-based artists and creative entrepreneurs who have lost income due to the COVID-19 crisis.  

The application and detailed criteria are available HERE

Water Billing Updates:

DPW recently announced that after a hiatus due to COVID-19, water billing will resume on Friday, May 8th. Residents may use their last bill received as a guide for this billing cycle. Residents are also advised that water bills in May may be greater than normal to cover March and April.⁣ Please visit https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/ for more information. 

Upcoming Elections:

The Primary Election for citywide offices and the Presidency, originally scheduled for April 28, will now take place on June 2, 2020. On Friday, Governor Hogan announced that the primary election would primarily take place by mail with at least one in-person voting site per county. More details can be found at boe.baltimorecity.gov/

To request an absentee ballot, visit this website. 

Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines 

My office made a guide for the proper use and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks. They should always be placed in the nearest trash can. Proper use and disposal helps us reduce cross contamination and the spread of  COVID-19.

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.

Multilingual COVID-19 Resources & Fact Sheets

English
Español (Spanish)
Français (French)
한국어 (Korean)
中文 (Chinese)
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