Montgomery County's Commission for Women - Newsletter

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News You Can Use COVID and Vaccine Information Media Briefing Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich  August 25, 2021 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, and Interim MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight held the weekly virtual media briefing on Wednesday, August 25, at 12:30 pm. The briefing provided updates on COVID-19 cases, vaccinations, and students’ upcoming return to school. County Executive Marc Elrich reported 141 new COVID-19 cases on August 25, and a test positivity rate of 3.32%. He noted that most cases are in unvaccinated residents, although breakthrough cases in vaccinated residents are occurring. Elrich also reminded residents that Montgomery County had single-digit case numbers earlier this summer, showing the magnitude of recent upticks in transmission. With many students returning to school on August 30, he encouraged residents returning from travel to get tested upon return to avoid community transmission that could disrupt in-person learning. As of Wednesday, 72.7% of all county residents and 85.5% 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, 80.2% of residents, and 94.5% of those ages 12+ had received at least one dose of the vaccine.  On Monday, the FDA fully approved the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for those ages 16 and older, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine with approval beyond an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Elrich said that the FDA’s approval should encourage residents with concerns over the EUA to now get vaccinated. He also argued that full vaccine approval should pave the way for businesses and employers to require vaccinations, ultimately increasing customer confidence and boosting economic recovery. Along these lines, the County Executive announced that Montgomery County employees will be required to submit vaccination documentation by September 18th or face regular COVID-19 testing.  The County Executive praised the County Government and MCPS’ joint efforts to overhaul the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, pivoting to a Community Engagement Officer (CEO) model. CEOs will not be present in schools, but will instead be utilized on an as-needed basis by each cluster. Further evaluation of the program will occur in an upcoming work group discussion. Elrich announced the appointment of Adriana Hutchburg as County Climate Change Officer, a new position created to oversee the implementation of the county’s climate change action plan. Hutchburg is currently one of the county’s Assistant Chief Administrative Officers.  Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles echoed the County Executive’s concern over increasing community transmission, but celebrated the high vaccination rates that are responsible for continued low hospital utilization and fatality numbers. Dr. Gayles said that the county will closely monitor virus transmission in schools following next week’s return to in-person learning, updating guidance to reflect key trends. He encouraged MCPS students and staff to get vaccinated before the return to school, pointing to the county’s vaccine clinics taking place this week.  Interim MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa Mcknight thanked the County Executive and health leaders for working with MCPS to ensure a safe return to school. Mcknight said that on August 30, the district will welcome 160,000 students and 24,000 staff back to schools for in-person learning, five days a week. She recognized the hard work, creativity, and resilience of MCPS students and staff over the past 18 months, and told community members that the district is taking heightened precautions to ensure a safe return to learning. She announced that safety measures will include virtual “back-to-school” nights, mandatory staff vaccinations, indoor mask requirements, strict cleaning and ventilation processes, and maximizing the use of outdoor spaces. Dr. Mcknight reminded community members to do their part in stopping the spread of COVID-19, including getting vaccinated and communicating any possible exposures or positive cases to schools to allow for contact tracing. Watch the media briefing here. County Resources This website provides a listing of all county food resources. It is regularly updated so be sure to check back often. CFW Programming   Please join us as local family law attorneys walk through the "ins" and "outs" of going through a separation and divorce in Maryland. All classes are FREE and are from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Seminars will be taking place online. Participants will receive the meeting information after signing up. Classes are the FIRST Wednesday of every month through June 2022: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 7:00 PM Wednesday, October 6, 2021 7:00 PM Wednesday, November 3, 2021 7:00 PM Wednesday, December 1, 2021 7:00 PM Wednesday, January 5, 2022 7:00 PM Wednesday, February 2, 2022 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 2, 2022 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 6, 2022 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 4, 2022 7:00 PM Wednesday, June 1, 2022 7:00 PM Sign Up Today! Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Updates Immunization Updates for the 2021-2022 School Year All students must have up to date immunization records prior to the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Parents should contact their doctor to make sure their child is properly immunized and submit a copy of the documentation to the child’s school health nurse as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, August, 30, the first day of the 2021-2022 school year. 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.  MCPS Fall School Year Recovery Guide  MCPS has published a comprehensive Fall 2021 Recovery Guide to clear confusion about the coming school year. This guide mentions transportation, food services, extra-curriculars, etc.  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. 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/ Volunteering Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. Check out the opportunities available here.    Employment 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 Live Music at the Streetery Bethesda Streetery, 7192-7182 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 Join the Bethesda Urban Partnership for live music every Friday night from 6pm-8pm through September 24. The concerts will take place at the corder of Cordell and Norfolk Avenues within the Bethesda Streetery. Tables and chairs are available at the Bethesda Streetery on a first come, first served basis.  Click here for more information. Health & Wellness Zumba with Jemina This class is for everyone so bring friends and family and dance over at Spectrum Town Center in Gaithersburg! This class runs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays, at respective times. This class might be cancelled depending on the weather. Please hydrate and wear appropriate gym clothes while dancing outside! To register for certain dates and times, click here.  Donations 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. Visit our Website and Facebook Page Be sure to visit our Facebook page and our website for all the latest news and stories. Be the first to "Be in the know"!   Visit our Instagram Page Did you know the Commission for Women was on Instagram? Check out our page and give us a follow!     Check out our LinkedIn! Follow us on LinkedIn to see event and professional updates from the Commission!  Montgomery County Commission for Women| 240-777-8333  www.montgomerycountymd.gov/CFW