Maryland is having a successful recovery from new unemployment claims, with last week’s claims lower than in the same week in 2019, according to WalletHub’s updated rankings for the States Whose Unemployment Claims Are Recovering the Quickest.
The U.S., in general, is making significant progress in the fight against COVID-19 with the distribution of the vaccine and boosters, and this has been reflected in the job market, despite new unemployment claims increasing slightly week-over-week on February 28.
Per the report:
There are currently 6.3 million Americans unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in total, though, and it’s important to look at some key stats for the latest week to get the full picture:
Key Stats (for Maryland):
- Weekly unemployment claims in Maryland decreased by 40.21% compared to the same week in 2019. This was the 4th biggest decrease in the U.S.
- Weekly unemployment claims in Maryland decreased by 56.68% compared to the start of 2020. This was the 16th biggest decrease in the U.S.
- Weekly unemployment claims in Maryland decreased by 77.61% compared to the same week last year. This was the 14th biggest decrease in the U.S.
Nearby DC had unemployment claims last week that were worse than the same week last year.
City Hall to Reopen Monday, March 28 With Access via All Entrances
Per the City of Rockville:
Face coverings will be optional for city employees and visitors to all City of Rockville facilities beginning Tuesday, March 8.
City Manager Rob DiSpirito announced the change Monday, citing Montgomery County’s “low” COVID-19 community level, as defined by a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tool that considers daily case count and hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.
“The City will continue to monitor changes in public health requirements and recommendations and may need to adjust our face-covering requirements as recommendations change from the CDC, Maryland Department of Health, and for certain programs licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education,” DiSpirito said.
Visitors will now be able to use all publicly accessible entrances and exits at City Hall when it reopens Monday, March 28.
The Mayor and Council will continue to hold hybrid meetings, which the public is welcome to attend virtually, until further notice. These meetings can be viewed on-demand or live streamed at www.rockvillemd.gov/rockville11, and can be watched on Rockville 11 on Comcast and Verizon cable channel 11.
Rockville mandates vaccinations and booster shots for all city employees and provides frequent COVID testing opportunities.
Information about free testing and vaccinations can be found on Montgomery County’s COVID-19 information portal at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19.
City Hall has been closed since March 14, 2020, however, city services have been available virtually, with city employees working in-person and, when possible, teleworking, throughout the pandemic. Community centers, the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, Rockville Civic Center Park, and the Rockville Senior Center are open for in-person use.
The City of Gaithersburg announced today, March 7, that due to “low” community levels of COVID-19, as defined by the CDC, they will no longer require masks to be worn in city run facilities.
Montgomery County’s indoor mask mandate expired on February 21, 2022, but the cities of Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park all continued to keep their face covering requirements in place.
Gaithersburg is the first of the three cities to remove the requirement.
As of today, masks must still be worn in Montgomery County Public Schools and on all public transportation.
The Montgomery County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday and is expected to vote for a “mask optional” policy.
With Montgomery County in the “low” community level as defined by the CDC, masks are no longer required in City of Gaithersburg facilities as of March 7, 2022. For more information please visit https://t.co/dNpkPs0lF7 pic.twitter.com/acTlMky7cl
— City of Gaithersburg (@GburgMD) March 7, 2022
The Montgomery County Humane Society has canceled its annual dog walk ‘Paws in the Park.’ The decision was made due to “continuing uncertainties surrounding the current health crisis, and in response to feedback from our community.”
The annual walk will continue in 2023.
Below is the full statement by the Humane Society:
“Due to the continuing uncertainties surrounding the current health crisis, and in response to feedback from our community, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our annual dog walk, Paws in the Park, until 2023. The comfort and safety of our participants, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and staff must be our priority at this time. Thank you for your understanding and your continued support!
Please stay posted for information about other events we are considering for later this year, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Paws in the Park in 2023!”
Effective February 25, 2022, CDC does not require wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.
Effective February 25, 2022, CDC is exercising its enforcement discretion to not require that people wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs. CDC is making this change to align with updated guidance that no longer recommends universal indoor mask wearing in K-12 schools and early education settings in areas with a low or medium COVID-19 Community Level. School systems at their discretion may choose to require that people wear masks on buses or vans.
Earlier today, MCPS sent out a message stating that “it is anticipated that the Montgomery County Board of Education, at its March 8 business meeting, will vote to make masks optional in MCPS facilities.” The decision for buses may also be made at that time.
Full update from the CDC:
Traveling on public transportation increases a person’s risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 by bringing people in close contact with others, often for prolonged periods, and exposing them to frequently touched surfaces. Air travel often requires spending time in security lines and busy airport terminals. Travel by bus, train, and other conveyances used for international, interstate, or intrastate transportation poses similar challenges. Staying 6 feet away from others is often difficult on public transportation conveyances. People may not be able to distance themselves by the recommended minimum of 6 feet from other people seated nearby or from those standing in or passing through the aisles on airplanes, trains, or buses.
Travel contributes to interstate and international spread of COVID-19. Wearing masks that completely cover the mouth and nose reduces the spread of COVID-19. People who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) or are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) might not know that they are infected but can still spread COVID-19 to others. Masks also offer protection to the wearer.
On January 29, 2021, CDC issued an Order that required face masks to be worn by all people while on public transportation (which included all passengers and all personnel operating conveyances) traveling into, within, or out of the United States and U.S. territories. The Order also required all people to wear masks while at transportation hubs (e.g., airports, bus or ferry terminals, train and subway stations, seaports, U.S. ports of entry, and other locations where people board public transportation in the United States and U.S. territories), including both indoor and outdoor areas.
Effective February 25, 2022, CDC is exercising its enforcement discretion to not require that people wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs. CDC is making this change to align with updated guidance that no longer recommends universal indoor mask wearing in K-12 schools and early education settings in areas with a low or medium COVID-19 Community Level. School systems at their discretion may choose to require that people wear masks on buses or vans.
CDC previously announced that it would use enforcement discretion to not require people to wear a mask in outdoor areas of conveyances (if such outdoor areas exist on the conveyance) or while outdoors at transportation hubs. CDC will continue to evaluate the requirements of its Order and determine whether additional changes may be warranted.
While in indoor areas of conveyances or while indoors at transportation hubs, people are not required to wear a mask under the following circumstances:
- while eating, drinking, or taking medication for brief periods of time;
- while communicating for brief periods of time with a person who is hearing impaired when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;
- if, on an aircraft, wearing oxygen masks is needed because of loss of cabin pressure or other event affecting aircraft ventilation;
- if unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance;
- when necessary to temporarily lower or remove the mask to verify one’s identity such as during Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening or when asked to do so by the ticket or gate agent or any law enforcement official;
- when experiencing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or feeling winded, until able to resume normal breathing with the mask; when vomiting until vomiting ceases; or if wearing a mask interferes with necessary medical care such as supplemental oxygen administered via an oxygen mask.
The following categories of people continue to be exempt from the requirement to wear a mask:
- A child under the age of 2 years;
- A person with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);
- A person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations.
People on board the following categories of conveyances continue to be exempt from the requirement to wear a mask:
- Private conveyances operated only for personal, non-commercial use;
- Commercial motor vehicles or trucks, if the driver is the only person in the vehicle or truck, or the vehicle or truck is operated by a team who all live in the same household and are the only persons in the vehicle;*
- Conveyances operated or chartered by the U.S. military as long as the operator of the conveyance follows all requirements of U.S. military services to prevent spread of COVID-19 that are equivalent to the requirements in CDC’s Order.
*Non-passenger-carrying commercial vessels operated by a team of mariners who all live on the vessel and are the only people on the vessel are also permitted to use this exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Montgomery County Public Schools confirmed that the mask mandate will be addressed at the March 8th Board of Education meeting.
Last Tuesday, the Maryland State Board of Education voted 12-2 to rescind its statewide mask mandate for public schools, effective March 1. The Maryland General Assembly’s Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee (AELR) met on Friday, February 25, and approved the Maryland State BOE’s decision.
MCPS Superintendent Monifa McKnight previously stated she was waiting on the AELR’s decision before moving forward with any changes.
Per MCPS:
It is anticipated that the Montgomery County Board of Education, at its March 8 business meeting, will vote to make masks optional in MCPS facilities. This action is based on the Maryland Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR) vote on Friday, Feb. 25 affirming the state Board of Education’s decision to rescind the emergency mask mandate for schools in Maryland. This action, the decline in cases, updated guidance from the CDC and the lifting of the county indoor mask mandate indicate that MCPS can operate with optional masking.
Board of Education to Address MCPS Mask Mandate at March 8 Meeting: Read full message here https://t.co/uXlpi7ZTX5
— MCPS (@MCPS) February 26, 2022
Per MCPS:
It is anticipated that the Montgomery County Board of Education, at its March 8 business meeting, will vote to make masks optional in MCPS facilities. This action is based on the Maryland Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR) vote on Friday, Feb. 25 affirming the state Board of Education’s decision to rescind the emergency mask mandate for schools in Maryland. This action, the decline in cases, updated guidance from the CDC and the lifting of the county indoor mask mandate indicate that MCPS can operate with optional masking.
Immunizations with Nuvaxovid™ to begin in coming days
Gaithersburg-Based Novavax has started shipping its Nuvaxovid Covid-19 vaccine to European countries, according to a press release from earlier this week.
Novavax and the European Commission have an advance purchase agreement for up to 100 million doses of Nuvaxovid with the option for an additional 100 million doses (up to 200 million doses total).
Nuvaxovid “provides a differentiated option to bolster vaccination rates across Europe,” said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. “Nuvaxovid has demonstrated efficacy, a reassuring safety and tolerability profile, and is built on a well-understood protein-based vaccine platform used for other vaccines for decades.”
Full press release below:
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Feb. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases, today announced the first doses of Nuvaxovid™ COVID-19 Vaccine (recombinant, adjuvanted) have begun shipping to European Union (EU) member states. Nuvaxovid, also known as NVX-CoV2373, is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in Europe.
Local test and release procedures were completed and Nuvaxovid doses are shipping from Novavax’ Netherlands distribution center to EU member states beginning this week. The first wave of shipments includes several countries, such as Germany, France and Austria. Shipments to additional EU member states are expected to quickly follow.
“Today’s announcement paves the way for vaccination with Nuvaxovid to begin in Europe within the coming days. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine provides a differentiated option to bolster vaccination rates across Europe,” said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. “Nuvaxovid has demonstrated efficacy, a reassuring safety and tolerability profile, and is built on a well-understood protein-based vaccine platform used for other vaccines for decades.”
The European Commission (EC) granted conditional marketing authorization (CMA) for Nuvaxovid for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in individuals 18 years of age and older. The authorization followed the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommendation to authorize the vaccine and is applicable in all 27 EU member states. Novavax expects to submit its regulatory filing for a pediatric indication in adolescents aged 12 through 17-years to global regulatory authorities, including EMA, during the first quarter of 2022.
Novavax and the EC have an advance purchase agreement for up to 100 million doses of Nuvaxovid with the option for an additional 100 million doses (up to 200 million doses total). Through the second quarter, Novavax has received a commitment for orders from the EC totaling 69 million doses. The initial doses were manufactured by Novavax’ partner, the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. Information about dose administration will be available through each member state.
For more information on Nuvaxovid, including the European approved Product Information, European approved Consumer Medicines Information and Important Safety Information, or to request additional information, please visit the following websites:
The brand name Nuvaxovid™ has not yet been authorized for use in the U.S. by the FDA.
Authorized Use of Nuvaxovid™ in the European Union
European Commission has granted conditional marketing authorization for Nuvaxovid™ COVID-19 Vaccine (recombinant, adjuvanted) for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in individuals 18 years of age and older.
Important Safety Information
- Nuvaxovid™ is contraindicated in persons who have a hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients
- Events of anaphylaxis have been reported with administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Appropriate medical treatment and supervision should be available in case of an anaphylactic reaction
- Anxiety-related reactions, including vasovagal reactions (syncope), hyperventilation, or stress–related reactions may occur in association with vaccination as a response to the needle injection. It is important that precautions are in place to avoid injury from fainting
- Vaccination should be postponed in individuals suffering from an acute severe febrile illness or acute infection
- Give Nuvaxovid with caution in individuals receiving anticoagulant therapy or those with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder (such as haemophilia) because bleeding or bruising may occur following an intramuscular administration in these individuals
- The efficacy of Nuvaxovid may be lower in immunosuppressed individuals
- The duration of protection afforded by the vaccine is unknown as it is still being determined by ongoing clinical trials
- Individuals may not be fully protected until 7 days after their second dose. As with all vaccines, vaccination with Nuvaxovid may not protect all vaccine recipients
- The most common adverse reactions observed during clinical studies (frequency category of very common ≥ 1/10), were headache, nausea or vomiting, myalgia, arthralgia, injection site tenderness/pain, fatigue and malaise
About NVX-CoV2373
NVX-CoV2373 is a protein-based vaccine engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease. NVX-CoV2373 was created using Novavax’ recombinant nanoparticle technology to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike (S) protein and is formulated with Novavax’ patented saponin-based Matrix-M™ adjuvant to enhance the immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies. NVX-CoV2373 contains purified protein antigen and can neither replicate, nor can it cause COVID-19.
Novavax’ COVID-19 vaccine is packaged as a ready-to-use liquid formulation in a vial containing ten doses. The vaccination regimen calls for two 0.5 ml doses (5 mcg antigen and 50 mcg Matrix-M adjuvant) given intramuscularly 21 days apart. The vaccine is stored at 2°- 8° Celsius, enabling the use of existing vaccine supply and cold chain channels. Use of the vaccine should be in accordance with official recommendations.
Novavax has established partnerships for the manufacture, commercialization and distribution of NVX-CoV2373 worldwide. Existing authorizations leverage Novavax’ manufacturing partnership with Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. They will later be supplemented with data from additional manufacturing sites throughout Novavax’ global supply chain.
About Matrix-M™ Adjuvant
Novavax’ patented saponin-based Matrix-M™ adjuvant has demonstrated a potent and well-tolerated effect by stimulating the entry of antigen-presenting cells into the injection site and enhancing antigen presentation in local lymph nodes, boosting immune response.
About Novavax
Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) is a biotechnology company that promotes improved health globally through the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative vaccines to prevent serious infectious diseases. The company’s proprietary recombinant technology platform harnesses the power and speed of genetic engineering to efficiently produce highly immunogenic nanoparticles designed to address urgent global health needs. NVX-CoV2373, the company’s COVID-19 vaccine, has received conditional authorization from multiple regulatory authorities globally, including the European Commission and the World Health Organization. The vaccine is also under review by multiple regulatory agencies worldwide. In addition to its COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax is also currently evaluating a COVID-seasonal influenza combination vaccine in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, which combines NVX-CoV2373 and NanoFlu, its quadrivalent influenza investigational vaccine candidate. These vaccine candidates incorporate Novavax’ proprietary saponin-based Matrix-M™ adjuvant to enhance the immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies.
Per Montgomery County:
Dear Friends:
Winston Churchill famously said, “When you are going through hell, keep going.” These are important words to remember as we continue into our third year of combatting the COVID-19 virus.
Next week marks two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 health crisis in our County. On March 5, 2020, the first three cases of COVID-19 in the State of Maryland were identified in Montgomery County. Since then 1,980 Montgomery County residents have died due to COVID-19, and the vast majority died before vaccines were widely available.
There are few among us who has not been touched by this virus and the tragedy it has inflicted. Reflecting on all those who perished from this virus is a solemn reminder of the seriousness of this virus, as well as our personal responsibility to mitigate future fatalities. We must also remember the thousands of residents who will be impacted by long-term medical conditions, some of which may seriously compromise their health.
Throughout the next month, we will take time to remember those who have died from COVID-19 and recognize the many residents and organizations who helped save lives over the last two years. While this pandemic is not over, the month-long recognition effort will also be a look back at all we have done over the last two years and thank those who have helped get to where we are now. Each week, we will focus on a different theme.
Next week will be our “Memorial Week” from Feb. 28 to March 6. We will remember the nearly 2,000 residents lost over the last two years to COVID-19 and we are encouraging County residents to share their stories using the hashtag #MoCoRemembers. I hope you can join us for a vigil to honor them. We will gather at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton.
We will continue to use what we have learned over the last two years in our ongoing response, monitoring the situation daily and continuing to do everything we can to reduce risk, including encouraging vaccinations and getting boosted.
March will be a time of remembrance and reflection of the loss and hardship, as well as a renewal of our resolve to end and recover from this pandemic.
Montgomery County Case Numbers Keep Us in the Category of Having ‘Substantial Transmission’ of COVID-19
Although our case rates are dropping, we currently remain in the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s defined category of “Substantial Transmission” for the second straight week. Our test positivity rate continues to drop as well as we are about one-third lower than the State’s test positivity rate. Hospitalization and deaths also continue to decrease.
We have made great progress over the past month, but we are still seeing higher rates than last fall. And with the proliferation of rapid take home tests, many active COVID cases are not being reported to either the County or the State like they used to. Take-home rapid tests have been a great help to our residents, but they also make it much harder to figure out how prevalent the virus is in our community.
I encourage all those who test positive on a take-home rapid test to please report positive cases to the website. It is important to the contact tracing process and our efforts to mitigate and contain spread of this virus.
County Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted
The indoor mask mandate in Montgomery County was lifted this week in accordance with the decision by the County Council. Nevertheless, I will generally continue to wear a mask in indoor public spaces because wearing a mask, as well as being fully vaccinated and boosted, are the best ways to reduce the risk of transmitting and getting COVID-19. With substantial transmission, people who are unvaccinated or not boosted should continue wearing masks in order to stay as safe as possible.
It is also important to remember that businesses and other organizations can continue to require customers or visitors to wear a mask in their establishments. The County also is strongly recommending that front-facing staff, who have not received their booster, and visitors in County Government offices and facilities, continue to wear a masks or face coverings in publicly accessible areas. We will continue to monitor the situation, and if there should be another surge, our experience over the last two years has shown us, we know what we need to do to reduce risks to our residents. To read the updated face covering guidelines, go to https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/face-coverings.html.
Face Covering Policies in Our Public Schools
The lifting of the indoor mandate from the Board of Health does not change the mask requirements in Montgomery County Public Schools. The Maryland State Department of Education and Montgomery County Board of Education set policies for public schools in the County. This week, the State Board of Education voted 12-2 to allow local school districts to make that decision. On Friday, Feb. 25, the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review will consider that decision and take the final vote. Additionally, the Montgomery County Board of Education is discussing this issue today.
I believe removing the mask requirement throughout our school buildings at this point would be premature given the transmission rates and the fact that children have the lowest vaccination rates. It would be better if the County was clearly at or below a “moderate rate” of transmission. Even then, masks should be highly encouraged. I do think we will get to a point where masks can be optional, but if we are in substantial transmission—as we are today—we are not there yet.
I think we also need to take into consideration guidance from the CDC. The CDC found that COVID rates dropped in schools that required teachers and staff to wear masks. In 2021, COVID-19 took the lives of 539 children in the U.S., most of which happened in the second half of the year. With so many students still unvaccinated, we should continue to be cautious and consider the health and safety of our children, staff, teachers and administrators in our schools.
We have worked very hard with MCPS to reduce quarantining and I am concerned that by removing the masks prematurely, we could unnecessarily increase the spread and potentially impact learning loss of our students.
Boosters Continue to Make a Difference
Despite our overall high vaccination rates, vaccinations and boosters continue to slow down. Currently only 51.5 percent of eligible County residents have received their booster shots and this number is increasing very slowly.
However, being boosted greatly reduces the rate of hospitalization. Before omicron, unvaccinated people were 15 times more likely to be hospitalized than fully vaccinated people. With the Omicron variant, the biggest difference has been the booster. Unvaccinated people are 23 times more likely to be hospitalized than those with a booster and 5.3 times more likely compared to those who are vaccinated but not boosted. Getting boosted is the best protection we have to reduce severe symptoms and deaths.
More Than 100 Shots, 2,000 Tests and Nearly 3,000 Masks Given Out at Second BOOSTERAMA
I want to thank the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, Salud y Bienestar, Westfield Wheaton and the Maryland Lottery for coordinating our second Boosterama on Feb. 19 at the Wheaton Mall. We boosted about 120 residents, which is only a quarter of the amount that we did during our first Boosterama in December. But we also gave out more than 2,800 masks and 2,000 rapid tests while we were there, which was greatly appreciated by those in attendance.
We are going to continue to engage and find creative ways to increase our County’s booster rates. Messaging vigilance and ways to mitigate COVID is more challenging right now. It has been a hard reality that when cases are declining, people feel more secure and everyone wants to move on. I understand the desire for normalcy, but the virus is still very much with us. We have opened up most activies in the County, but care is still very much needed.
Potential of Truck Convoys in Montgomery County
Protesting truck convoys, similar to the ones that disrupted traffic and commerce in Canada over the past month, maybe heading into Montgomery County. We are currently following multiple protests that could be coming as soon as Friday, Feb. 25. It is not clear from any of their itineraries at what point they will be coming through the County. However, Montgomery County Police and the County Department of Transportation continue to work with the Maryland State Police, the State Highway Administration and the Maryland Department of Transportation about all of these potential protests as more information comes available.
I expect and hope that the organizers of these convoys are working with state highway and law enforcement officials and are being completely transparent in their routes and intentions. We are always committed to protecting the right of free speech and the right to protest, but that should not infringe on the freedoms and public safety of our residents and fellow motorists. Please continue to follow news and updates in case these convoys create any potential gridlock.
‘Just Cause Legislation’ Helps Housing Security
Earlier this week, I testified at the Maryland General Assembly in support of Delegate Jheanelle Wilkin’s Just Cause Eviction legislation. This legislation would authorize local governments to enact legislation that would require good reasons for landlords to terminate leases with tenants.
As I explained in my testimony, this bill simply enables local jurisdictions to enact just cause legislation. Any legislation would be preceded by careful deliberation, but we need the ability to have that discussion and enact appropriate legislation. We know of too many tenants who have had their leases terminated simply because they complained about roach infestations or non-working appliances. Tenants have faced retaliation and retribution for simply lodging complaints about the inadequacy of their housing. Tenants have a right to safe and decent housing, and we have a responsibility to protect that right. I also was pleased that the Maryland Association of Counties agreed to my request to also support this important legislation. Delegate Wilkins, tenant advocates and I have been working for years to pass this legislation. I hope that this is the year that it passes.
You can watch my testimony here.
Black History Month Concludes by Honoring a Trailblazing Hero
Throughout February, we have honored Black history and highlighted our work on equity and inclusion while recognizing and identifying challenges that continue to remain in our society due to systemic racism. On Monday, Feb. 28, we will conclude Black History Month with an important bill signing ceremony that will begin the process to rename the Silver Spring Library for former Tuskegee Airman and Montgomery County resident Brigadier General Charles E. McGee, who passed away last month.
Brigadier General McGee was an American hero who, despite facing prejudice and discrimination his entire life, was committed to serve his country and sacrifice his safety for our freedoms. Brigadier General McGee was honored throughout his life with numerous accolades ranging from the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Flying Cross to being profiled in feature films and flipping the coin at a Super Bowl.
His legacy in Montgomery County will be appropriately remembered and honored at one of our prominent libraries—a building that provides the tools and resources enabling future generations to follow in his footsteps. I want to thank County Councilmember Will Jawando for proposing this bill and I invite you to join us at this important community event at 11 a.m. on Monday at the library.
Women’s ‘Her-Story’ Month Begins with ‘Girl Power’ Contest
The contributions of Montgomery County women to our County, State and nation’s history need to be celebrated. As March is designated as Women’s History Month, we will honor women who have made history, and we must continue to build a culture of empowerment and opportunity for the next generation of female leaders.
The Montgomery County Commission for Women is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Commission for Women invites residents to participate in its fifth annual “Girl Power” contest. County residents, ages 5 and up, are encouraged to submit a short story, poem, drawing or medium of their choice that addresses the following questions: What do you see as the three biggest accomplishments women have achieved over the last 50 years? What three accomplishments do you believe would make the biggest impact over the next 50 years?
Entries for the 2022 Girl Power Contest should be submitted online at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw/.
Entries typically are short stories, poems and drawings, but creativity is encouraged and alternative creative expressive submissions are welcomed. Entries will be judged on creativity and content. Winning entries will be selected in four categories: elementary school, middle school, high school and adult. Submissions will be accepted through midnight on March 31 and are limited to one per person. Written entries should be no more than 500 words. Entries should include full name, age, grade and school (if applicable), telephone number and email address. Winners will be announced in April. All contest winners will be featured in Commission for Women social media and receive a swag bag.
I encourage everyone to enter this contest so they can help highlight the great work done by women and the impact they have in our County. For the last half of century, the Montgomery County Commission on Women has helped women in our County by establishing networks, mentors and resources enabling their success. I am grateful to the Commission for all the work it has done and continues to do to ensure that ‘her-story’ is told in Montgomery County.
As always, my appreciation for all you do.
Marc Elrich
County Executive
At its meeting on Feb. 24, 2022, the Howard County Board of Education voted to make face coverings optional, effective March 1, based on the Maryland State Department of Education’s off-ramp option one for school districts to lift mask requirements.
The Montgomery County Board of Education announced that it will be holding off on making any changes to the school mask requirement until March 8.
On Tuesday, February 22, the Maryland State Board of Education voted 12-2 today to rescind its statewide mask mandate for public schools, effective March 1.
The Maryland General Assembly’s Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee (AELR) is scheduled to meet tomorrow, February 25, to approve the Maryland State BOE’s decision.
MCPS Superintendent Monifa McKnight said she was waiting on the AELR’s decision before moving forward with any changes.
Last night, the Frederick County Board of Education of voted to encourage face coverings but no longer require them inside all school buildings effective Friday, Feb. 25.
The full message from Howard County can be seen below:
Effective Tuesday, March 1, universal indoor masking in HCPSS buildings is no longer required. Any student, staff or visitor may choose to wear a mask, and should feel comfortable doing so. Schools and offices will continue to have additional masks available as needed. The federal requirement for masks on public transportation remains unchanged so anyone on a school bus will still be required to wear a mask.
Shifting to optional mask-wearing impacts a number of other areas and additional information will be shared with the community on Friday, Feb. 25 regarding these impacts.
“I am pleased that the Board of Education has voted to support the use of this ‘off-ramp.’ While the Superintendent had noted his intention to lift the mandate following the Maryland General Assembly committee’s vote on Friday, Feb. 25, we wanted to provide our community additional notice regarding this change.” stated Vicky Cutroneo, Board of Education Chair. “As we have seen a decline in cases and transmission in our county, and the optimistic community message from the Health Department this week regarding declining metrics, I believe this is the right time to make masks optional.”
“It is encouraging that nearly all metrics that our health department has used to inform COVID-related decisions have seen a decline for the first time in these last three months and I commend HCPSS students, staff and community for our collective efforts to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in our community,” stated Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano.
“While masks will no longer be required in schools, every student and staff member should feel encouraged and supported to make the decision they feel most comfortable with,” he continued. “We will remind students and staff to practice civility and respect the choices of others when it comes to masking, and I seek the community’s support and collaboration in reinforcing and modeling this behavior for our children. System and school leaders will work to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and students as we make this transition.”
The N95 masks & COVID-19 rapid test kits are available upon request at City Hall & Activity Center.
Montgomery County government has made a supply of at-home antigen rapid test kits and N95 masks available to the City for distribution to Gaithersburg area residents. The masks & kits are available upon request at City Hall & Activity Center at Bohrer Park.
Adults over the age of 18 may request up to two kits & one pack of masks. Each kit contains two tests. The masks are adult-sized and come in packs of four. No appointments are necessary. Quantities are while supplies last. You may want to call and check availability before visiting these facilities. Note that masks are currently required for everyone over the age of two inside the publicly accessible spaces of all City municipal facilities.
City Hall
31 S. Summit Avenue
301-258-6300
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Activity Center at Bohrer Park
506 S. Frederick Avenue (next to Gaithersburg High School)
301-258-6350
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Please do not visit Gaithersburg City facilities to pick up a test kit if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Instead, contact your health provider or make an appointment for a PCR test. Click here for information in English & Spanish on how to use the rapid test kits, how to self-report your results, and to see more locations throughout Montgomery County where test kits & masks are available.
With around 65% of the population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 but the omicron variant continuing to spread, WalletHub today released updated rankings for the Safest States During COVID-19.
In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics. Our data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.
Maryland‘s Safety During Coronavirus (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
- 12th – Vaccination Rate
- 4th – Positive Testing Rate
- 2nd – Hospitalization Rate
- 13th – Death Rate
- 7th – Transmission Rate
Note: Rankings are based on data available as of 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
Per the report:
As the U.S. continues its efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and the surging omicron variant, staying safe is one of Americans’ top concerns. Safety is also essential for getting the economy back on track, as the lower COVID-19 transmission and deaths are in a state, the fewer restrictions there will be and the more confidence people will have to shop in person. While the country has mostly reopened, increasing the percentage of people who have been vaccinated and received booster doses is key to getting back to life as normal. The good news is that around 65% of the population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of February 22.
Some states are already safer than others, though, based on how well they have kept the pandemic under control and how much they are vaccinating. In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics. Our data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.
The full report can be seen here.
