Friday, April 10, 2020

Montgomery County MD's April 9, COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update: County Executive Marc Elrich on Health Order Requiring Face Masks

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April 9, 2020 |  Bookmark and Share

Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

masks 101

County Executive Marc Elrich
My mask protects you. Your mask protects me. Together, with physical distancing, we can stop the spread.
In these uncertain times, we all need to protect ourselves and each other.  That‘s why I fully support the County health order requiring people wear face coverings in grocery stores, pharmacies, and large chain retail establishments. The health order also requires retailers to limit the number of people in a store at one time.
This new order builds on the newly released guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A face covering can be homemade but your mouth and nose should be covered. However, please keep in mind that masks are not advised for children under two years of age or for individuals with difficulty breathing. 
Also, masks are not a substitute for physical distancing. Please continue to stay home as much as possible.
This is how we beat this virus. Wearing a face covering and keeping a physical distance is how we stop the spread of the virus. If we all do this together, we will stop the spread. 
And remember; my mask protects you, your mask protects me. 
Marc Elrich
Marc Elrich, County Executive 

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County Partners with Maryland Department of Health to Provide COVID-19 Testing at White Oak Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Site

white oak testing station
Montgomery County health officials are partnering with the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland State Police and the Maryland National Guard to offer drive-through COVID-19 testing.
To qualify for testing at the White Oak Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program site, individuals must have an appointment and meet testing criteria as determined by a licensed health care provider.

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Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles Speaks to County Students, Parents, Teachers and Administrators About the COVID-19 Pandemic

MCPS and Dr Gayles on YouTube Screen
Montgomery County Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services Dr. Travis Gayles describes the current status of the coronavirus pandemic in Montgomery County and the impact on our school community in an interview on MCPS TV.

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Montgomery County Public Schools Employees Test Positive for COVID-19

Two Montgomery County Public Schools food and nutrition services staff members working at the Glen Haven Elementary School meal distribution site have tested positive for COVID-19. Based on the investigation by County public health officials, the last day the employees worked at the meal distribution site was Thursday, March 26. Employees who worked in close contact with the affected employees have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days since their last contact with the patients. The risk to community members and students is considered low, but residents who visited the Glen Haven site prior to March 26 are asked to self-monitor for symptoms.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donations Still Needed

ppe donations
Nearly 350 people and organizations have made donations including face masks, respirators, face shields, gloves and hand sanitizer after hearing the County’s request for PPE.
Most of the donations are being made by individuals, but medical practices, locally based trade associations, schools, businesses, and organizations are also offering their PPE stock to help the County during this health crisis.
This equipment is needed immediately to help keep the County’s first responders and healthcare workers safe while working in our community and on the pandemic’s frontlines.

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Taking Care of Our Community's Mental Health and Crisis Needs During COVID-19

mental health
The COVID-19 pandemic may be causing stress and anxiety for County residents of all ages. And the situation can exacerbate domestic violence and human trafficking and add additional layers of challenges for those with existing mental health concerns.
The County’s 24-hour Crisis Center provides telephone help for anyone in crisis. The Crisis Center number is 240-777-4000.  

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