Free COVID Testing in MoCo–And Where To Find Rapid Tests
This week, there are a number of free walk-in and drive-thru testing events that going on in MoCo. These tests are provided for free. No appointment or doctor’s order is necessary.
Health
County Allows Alcohol Sales After 10 p.m. with Waiver
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, after consultation with County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, has issued an updated executive order that allows food service establishments to serve alcohol after 10 p.m.
Some Outdoor Pools To Remain Open Through Oct. 4
Montgomery County Recreation announced that the summer outdoor pool season will be extended to Sunday, Oct. 4, weather permitting and some operating on an altered schedule.
Applications are Now Open for the Second Phase of the COVID Rent Relief Program
Montgomery County is now accepting requests for the second phrase of the COVID Rent Relief Program. The program will continually review applications while funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
MCPS has Extended Distribution of Free Meals for Children
Montgomery County Public Schools will resume distribution of free meals to county children under 18 on Tuesday, September 8.
Two Gaithersburg Parks To Be Closed for Renovation
Travis Park and Diamond Farms Park of Gaithersburg will close on September 8 and September 14, respectively, as the city plans to replace playground equipment.
An agreement between MCPS and MCEA was signed earlier this week addressing several health, safety, and operation concerns that have occurred due to COVID. An earlier report by Bethesda Beat shared this information this evening.
Some of the items addressed by the agreement:
Athletics Fields Set to Reopen Across MoCo
Montgomery County officials announced earlier this week that athletic fields at regional and recreational parks will be open to low and medium-risk sports starting September 1st.
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Montgomery County Ends Contract with AdvaGenix
Rockville-based AdvaGenix, which has been providing coronavirus tests for Montgomery County, will no longer be working with the county after a new state order was passed.
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COVID-19 impacting non-white, uninsured MoCo residents the most.
In July, the Washington Post reported that in Montgomery County, Hispanic residents — who make up about a fifth of the County’s population — accounted for 74 percent of recent COVID-19 cases.
Yesterday, it was announced that residents who used an AdvaGenix COVID test at a Montgomery County site within the past two weeks ought to be retested. AdvaGenix kits were primarily used for asymptomatic individuals and were self-administered tests. According to a press release, approximately 8% of COVID tests used throughout the county were processed by AdvaGenix.
Montgomery County’s testing partnership with AdvaGenix has been suspended for the moment. Residents who have upcoming appointments at a site that planned to use AdvaGenix kits are being notified and will be alerted of alternative locations to take their test.