This pandemic is changing life for us in many ways. I hope
each of you is taking time to take care of yourself and the people
around you. This is hard – I know it and we all know it.
We are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating the
information and data we receive. We are also in regular communication
with residents, businesses and other organizations about the obstacles
they are encountering and how we can be helpful while also prioritizing
the public health of our community. This week I issued a new
executive order expanding and clarifying measures allowed
under Phase 2 guidelines– the details are below. And in my video I talk
about testing – check it
out.
For those of you who ordered a mail-in ballot, some will
start arriving as soon as next week. When you fill out your
mail-in ballot, please
be sure to sign the return envelope. Do
NOT sign the ballot itself – it will not be counted if you do that. If
you’re nervous about putting your ballot in the mail, there are drop
boxes around the County. Some are already in place; others will be
going up through out the month of October. Find more information about
drop boxes here.
Also, I wanted to remind you that in the public interest
of this county, please vote FOR Question A, AGAINST Question B, FOR
Question C and AGAINST Question D. These positions are supported by me
and the County Council. Here’s a link to the sample
ballot.
Take care,
Marc Elrich, County Executive
P.S. Yesterday, I joined Governor Larry Hogan to visit
Novavax, one of the many companies that make Montgomery County the
vaccine capital. We have some brilliant minds working here in our
County!
Larger Religious
Gatherings and Additional Measures Allowed Under Updated Phase 2
Guidelines
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, after
consultation with County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, has issued
an updated executive order that clarifies provisions of the
Phase 2 Guidelines related to the COVID-19 health crisis. These
amendments went into effect on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Updated executive order:
Explicitly caps indoor
food service at 50 percent;
Changes gathering size
calculations and spacing, screening, and cleaning requirements for
religious facilities;
Modifies the definition
of face covering to remove plastic full face shields; and
Includes a face
covering exception for children under 18 while playing sports.
Officials are continually reviewing designations and
adjusting guidance based on data and science
COVID-19 Testing
Available at More than 45 Sites in County
More than 45 sites are available for residents to get free
COVID-19 testing, including County-operated and privately operated
clinics. Testing at County clinics is free, does not require a doctor’s
referral and is available by making advance appointments or on a
walk-up basis. Reservations can be made online.
The schedule for upcoming County-operated test clinics:
Wednesday, Sept. 30. 9
a.m.-1 p.m. Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center, 11701
Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.
Wednesday, Sept. 30. 9
a.m.-1 p.m. Outdoor drive-up clinic--walk-ups welcome. CDC Mobile
Trailer, Lakeforest Mall, 701 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg (parking
lot near food court entrance, directly in front of Ride On
transfer station).
County Executive
Wants to Hear Your Priorities for the Fiscal Year 2022 Operating and
Capital Improvements Program Budgets
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich wants to hear what
your priorities are for the Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget and the
Capital Improvements Program Budget. County residents are invited
to participate in virtual forums hosted via Microsoft Teams.
Montgomery
County and Main Street Connect Offer Innovative Initiative to Help
Close Digital Divide for Low-Income and Special Needs Residents of Main
Street Apartments in Rockville
Montgomery County and nonprofitMain
Street Connect have announced a joint initiative that will
offer low-income and special needs residents of the newly opened Main
Street Apartments in Rockville access to free, high-speed home
internet service.
Nominations for
Human Rights Hall of Fame Accepted Through Oct. 15
The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights is
accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. Nominations should be
individuals – either living or deceased – whose ongoing work, service
and contributions have positively impacted human and civil rights in
the County. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, Oct. 15.
Community
Invited to Participate Virtually in Montgomery Planning’s 'I-270
Corridor Forward' Plan Kickoff on Sept. 30
The Montgomery County Planning Department, part
of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission,
invites residents to participate in the kickoff meeting for “Corridor
Forward: The I-270 Transit Plan” through an online meeting from noon-1
p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30. RSVPs are required.
Every week is Recycling Week in Montgomery County. We are
recycling and will continue to recycle everything that we ask residents
and businesses to recycle.
Active Aging
Week Connects Montgomery County Residents 50+ to Dynamic Virtual
Activities
It is time for those 50 years and older to celebrate an
active lifestyle with a dynamic week of virtual programs and
activities. Active Aging Week takes place Oct. 5-11, as part of a
national initiative promoting healthy lifestyles.
