Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update from County Executive Calvin Ball - Resources for You
Per the COVID-19 press conference held yesterday morning by County Executive Calvin Ball, I wanted to share with you all of the condensed information and resources they currently have in one place. Please see below, review this link or see the attached resources.
As you are already aware, the situation is changing quite rapidly. Please utilize the websites of the following departments and agencies listed below for real-time updates, as the information below is subject to change.
As well, I encourage you to follow the Howard County Government Facebook Page for further updates. Howard County Government remains in frequent communication with our Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman and also urge residents to follow the Howard County Health Department, Maryland Department of Health and CDC social media channels for the latest information and resources. As of this afternoon, there are no confirmed cases in Howard County.
Below is the most up to date information and guidance from our county departments and our community partners:
Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services
Effective Monday, March 16th, all 50+ Centers will be closed
All group programming, activities, and events for 50+ centers, including exercise programs are canceled.
All Social Day programs are suspended.
Scheduled meal programs will be held at the following centers: Bain, Ellicott City, and North Laurel.
Other food access options in additional DCRS locations are being coordinated.
All home visits and center or facility-based visits are suspended.
All in-person childcare training and certification classes or workshops have been suspended until further notice.
Essential DCRS services will be available by appointment for residents who need consultation via phone or web, including The Maryland Access Line (MAP) 410-313-1234, State Health Insurance Counselors, Ombudsman Services, our Adult Guardianship Program, and for our children and families, our CARELINE – 410-313-2273.
For a comprehensive list of closures and cancellations please visit the DCRS website here.
Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks
Recreation and Parks will be closing all facilities and canceling all scheduled special events, programs, classes and facility rentals beginning tonight at midnight through March 29.
League play is also delayed until at least March 30. If an event, program or tournament is canceled, participants will have the option of a full refund or credit.
During this time, all Howard County parks will remain open to the public.
HCRP will make a decision on facilities on resuming scheduled programs on March 30.
We will continue to provide departmental updates here.
Howard Community College
Spring break will no longer be held April 6–12.
Spring break is now March 16–22, during which time the college will be closed, with campus access only for authorized employees.
For March 23–29, credit and noncredit classes will be canceled. More details about this week for students, faculty, and staff will be forthcoming.
For more information about HCC's academic calendar and class schedule, please visit their website here.
Howard County Library System
Effective Monday, March 16, Howard County Library System is closed until March 27.
Battle of the Books has been canceled.
The Spelling Bee has been postponed.
HCLS will waive fines for materials that will become due during the time we are closed. Additionally, the period of time in which you can pick up requested items will be extended so you don’t lose your items on hold.
Before HCLS closes, please stop by our branches this weekend to stock up on books, DVDs, and other materials.
For more information please visit HCLS' website here.
Howard County Public Schools
Effective Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27, all Maryland public schools will be closed for students.
For information regarding the operations of the Howard County Public School System, please visit their website here.
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, HCPSS will be providing free “Grab-N-Go” nutritious meals to anyone age 18 and under at four school sites and five mobile sites.
Meals will be available from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., weekdays, Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27.
School Sites:
Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City
Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia
Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia
Cradlerock Elementary School/Lake Elkhorn Middle School, 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
Mobile Sites:
Laurel Woods Elementary School Parking Lot, 9250 North Laurel Road, Laurel
Ducketts Lane Elementary School Parking Lot, 6501 Ducketts Lane, Elkridge
Bushy Park Elementary School Parking Lot, 14601 Carrs Mill Road, Glenwood
Monarch Mills Apartments, 7600 Monarch Mills Way, Columbia
Forest Ridge Apartments, 5890 Stevens Forest Rd, Columbia
Howard County Sherriff’s Office
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office announced this morning that all eviction orders in Howard County will be stayed for an initial period of 15 days, to be reevaluated as new developments arise.
Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office
At this time, the District Court is open for motions, hearings, and sentences.
The Circuit Court and State’s Attorney’s Office will not conduct any business that requires a jury or grand jury, respectively through April 6th.
Howard County General Hospital Guidance
If you have symptoms and exposure or travel history, call your doctor or the County Health Department for guidance: Coronavirus Information Line at 410-313-6284 between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. Monday - Friday .
If you are seriously ill and having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. If you come to the hospital on your own, call first.
If you are healthy and want to help during this critical time, consider donating blood. There are shortages as a result of Coronavirus.
Consider helping a member of our hospital staff with child care or other support. It is important that hospital workers be able to continue providing care.
Limiting visitors to one person per patient and we will begin actively screening for international travel and symptoms.
All hospital wellness classes and events have been postponed.
