The Montgomery County Rental Assistance Program Has Started Accepting Applications
Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing an unprecedented financial hardship for many Montgomery County residents, the COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance in the form of a rent subsidy payment. This program seeks to fill the gaps for those who have lost income during COVID-19.
The Montgomery County Humane Society will be distributing cat and dog food at Westfield Wheaton (JCP Parking Lot) to members of our community who have hit hard times and need help.
Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Rain or shine.
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.
MoCo Health Officer hopes for low-moderate COVID-19 transmission before non-public schools reopen
Dr. Travis Gayles referred to the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for low to moderate COVID transmission—between eight and 32 daily new cases—in a press conference last week. MoCo currently averages 95 daily new cases, and has been above 32 average daily new cases since March 29.
County Council passes order for amended Phase 2 reopening plans
This past Tuesday, August 4, the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved an amended executive order for additional Phase 2 reopening plans. It is effective Wednesday, August 5.
Hogan reverses order for MoCo private schools to move online
The governor issued an emergency order today that grants private and parochial schools the primary authority to decide whether to open in person this fall. On Friday, MoCo Health Officer Travis Gayles had ordered private schools to remain only online until Oct. 1.
This morning, Brew Belly shared some information via facebook post about an incident that occurred last night. According to the post, an unmasked customer was asked to adhere to Maryland’s face covering policy. This customer became aggressive and spat on a staff member who was working there. The owner of Brew Belly shared that the patron was arrested and banned from the business.
Brew Belly has chosen to not allow customers to eat inside, despite being allowed to operate at 50% capacity. As the owner wrote, this choice was made to prioritize employee safety even though they anticipate a decrease in business.
Private schools closed until October 1
Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles issued a press release July 31 prohibiting all private schools in the area from re-opening for in-person instruction until October 1.
How are Montgomery Parks dealing with COVID-19?
Montgomery County Parks have taken many measures to ensure the continued operation of their parks despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Like many other businesses, they were forced to close due to Covid, and remained closed got three months prior to reopening on June 19th.
Yesterday, after being open again for nearly 6 weeks, the 24 lane duckling bowling center posted the following message on its Facebook page: