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News You Can Use

Meet The Commissioners!

Angela

Nicole

Chai

Get to know us! Our amazing commissioners share with us how they best serve women in Montgomery County and what keeps them going. Check out our social media to learn more!

#mococfw #MontgomeryCounty #CommissionForWomen #MeetTheCommissioners

COVID and Vaccine Information

Media Briefing

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich

July 28, 2021

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Public Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, and Acting Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Earl Stoddard held the weekly virtual media briefing on Wednesday, July 28, at 12 pm. The briefing provided updates on COVID-19 cases and vaccination numbers, considerations for future public health guidance, and rental assistance programs.

County Executive Marc Elrich reported 57 new COVID-19 cases on July 28, and a test positivity rate of 1.7%. Hospitalizations remain low, with five new hospitalizations on Tuesday, and one death. The County Executive also noted a recent uptick in COVID-19 testing, indicating that residents are concerned about the highly contagious Delta variant. He also expressed support for MCPS’ recent decision to require masks in schools, and for the CDC’s updated mask guidance for vaccinated individuals. This week’s increase in numerous COVID-19 metrics is part of a larger nationwide trend of increasing COVID-19 case numbers, which are primarily concentrated among the unvaccinated population. Elrich reported that in Montgomery County, 77% of new COVID-19 cases are in unvaccinated residents 一 a number driven by high case numbers among unvaccinated individuals aged 20 to 40. As of Wednesday, 70.5% of all county residents and 83% of eligible (age 12 and older) residents were fully vaccinated, with Montgomery County continuing to lead the nation in vaccination rates for those ages 12 and up. Additionally, 77.4% of residents, and 91.2% of those ages 12+ had received at least one dose of the vaccine.

The County Executive expressed concern over steady COVID-19 case increases, citing substantial community transmission levels in the nearby Washington, DC and Alexandria areas as a reason for heightened caution. While Montgomery County’s case rates still remain low relative to other surrounding areas, Elrich noted that county health officials are closely monitoring key metrics and trends to determine a future course of action.

Elrich also provided updates on Montgomery County COVID-19 Rent Relief. In total, $28.8 million in relief has been allocated since May 2020, supporting almost 5,600 households. The county is on track to release nearly $2 million in relief weekly, and is working with the Sheriff's department to prioritize providing aid to those facing immediate eviction. Next week, the County Executive is holding media relief highlighting $30 million allocated, spreading the word about the program and applications.

Public Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles warned residents that unvaccinated individuals are at the highest risk of experiencing severe illness or death due to the Delta variant. Dr. Gayles said that he would continue to monitor trends of new case numbers, and the number of hospitalizations due to severity of symptoms, using key metrics to inform future decisions on public health guidance. He also emphasized that breakthrough cases are extremely uncommon, occurring in only 140 out of 800,000 vaccinated residents. Montgomery County Public Health Officials are hoping to avoid more stringent restrictions in the future, but warned that any guidance will come in response to trends, instead of raw case numbers, taking a proactive approach to curbing virus spread.

County vaccination information can be found here.

Watch the media briefing here.

Face Coverings

vaccine

County Resources

Food Resources

This website provides a listing of all county food resources. It is regularly updated so be sure to check back often.

WMATA Extends Operating Hours for Metrorail and Metro Bus Service

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently implemented expanded hours for its Metrorail and Metro bus services. WMATA, a partner with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), is now operating Metrorail until midnight seven days a week (an hour later than previous service) and has increased late-night Metro bus service to 2 a.m. on 36 routes.

For more information on MCDOT services and regional updates follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Updates

MCPS Meals Service Programs

MCPS will continue to partner with local non-profits, county government organizations, faith-based organizations, and others to provide food and other critical resources to the community. 7 Day Early Morning Bulk Boxes and 7 Day Meal Box Bus/ Mobile Distribution will still continue every Wednesday, 7 Day Summer Meal Distribution will resume on Fridays, beginning June 25, 2021.

To learn more about specific locations, please visit: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/reopening/meals/

MCPS Mask Requirement

MCPS will require all students, staff members and visitors to wear face coverings in school buildings this fall, regardless of vaccination status, Interim Superintendent Monifa McKnight announced at a July 27 county Board of Education meeting. The Interim Superintendent attributed the decision to the recent countywide rise in COVID-19 cases, the high transmissibility of the Delta virus strain and limited vaccine eligibility.

College Conversations

Rising high school seniors and their families are invited to attend College Conversations: Connecting Students of Color to Top Colleges. The event will be held virtually at 6 p.m. on August 5. Hear from college admissions officers about financial aid and scholarships, the admissions process and more. To register for this event, click here.

Summer Resources for the 2021-2022 Fall School Year

MCPS has prepared online resources in math, literacy, and languages for students and families to review and refresh for the coming school year. For these resources, click here.

Enrollment

Montgomery County Public Schools have opened their enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year. MCPS, as of now, plans to have schools fully operate in-person, five days a week, beginning August 30th. The three step process is offered on their website here.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. Check out the opportunities available here.

volunteer

Employment

Montgomery County Minimum Wage Increased on July 1

The minimum wage increased in Montgomery County on Thursday, July 1. Sponsored by then-County Council member Marc Elrich and signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally, each July 1, until it reaches $15 per hour in 2022.

More information about the county's minimum wage increase can be found here.

Other Employment News

The Maryland Department of Labor updates its website each day with news and FAQs regarding the impact of COVID-19 on employment. You can access this website here.

Need to find a job or have general employment questions? Check out Worksource Montgomery, which is currently offering virtual workshops.

Find out which establishments are currently hiring here.

Wheaton American Job Center is Open!

As of July 12, 2021, WorkSource Montgomery has reopened the American Job Center in Wheaton to the public. They are welcoming walk-ins or appointments.

Visit here for more information read about the reopening.

Community Events

national night out

National Night Out

National Night Out is an event that raises drug prevention awareness and support for anti-crime programs within our communities. The annual event strengthens community spirit and promotes community partnerships with law enforcement agencies, county and local officials, civic groups and neighborhood organizations.

Be sure to stop by our table and meet us from 4pm to 8pm at the White Oak Garden Apartments Mini Park!

Two People Dancing

Outdoor Family Fun Night!

Dancing, crafts, stories, and more! Family fun night is an hour of fun activities for kids of all ages on the Aspen Hill Library lawn. Starting Tuesday, August 3, from 6:30 pm to 7:30pm, read a story, do a fun activity, and enjoy a summer evening on the Aspen Hill Library lawn each week. Come ready to dance, do a craft, or play a game. Families are welcome to bring blankets to sit on.

Activities will be adaptable to be fun for kids from toddler through third grade.

For more information, click here.

Health & Wellness

meditate

How to Meditate

Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity and promote happiness. Learning how to meditate is straightforward, and the benefits can come quickly. Find basic tips to get you started on a path toward greater equanimity, acceptance and joy. Take a deep breath, and get ready to relax.

Check out the New York Times' Meditation Guide here.

Stay Cool!

The City of Rockville operates four cooling centers when the temperature hits 95-plus degrees, or when a code red air quality alert is issued for Montgomery County.

The centers are located at the following facilities:

Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Ave.
Thomas Farm Community Center, 700 Fallsgrove Drive.
Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway.
Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive.

Community members using the cooling centers may stay in designated public areas for free. An adult must accompany children using the cooling centers. Those who want to use the amenities (i.e. fitness rooms, computer labs or drop-in programs) may do so after paying a daily admission fee.

Cooling centers will be open during normal hours of operation, which may be found by clicking on the name of the center.

Friday Funday!

Solving crossword puzzles is good for mental health by improving a person’s memory and other intellectual skills. Enjoy our Friday Funday Crossword Puzzle and share your results with us on social media using #MoCoCFW!

Tune in next month for answers and more fun!

Donations STILL Needed

There are many families in Montgomery County that need diapers and baby formula. The service hubs below continue to accept diapers and baby formula during the times indicated.

We would like to thank everyone who has donated! Your contributions have made a difference. Thank you in advance for donating to those in need.

They are still in need of diapers, especially sizes 3 and 4, as well as baby wipes.

diaper drive

Join Us!

Welcome to social media, @MoCoHTPC! The Montgomery County Human Trafficking Prevention Committee increases understanding of the issue in our county and develops interagency coordination of strategies for response and prevention. For important resources and information, follow them on social media and visit their website here.