Ensuring Proper Precautions to Protect Personnel

Baltimore County officials today announced that a member of the Baltimore County Police Department and a member of the Baltimore County Fire Department have tested positive for COVID-19. These are the first Baltimore County public safety personnel to test positive for the virus.

“I am grateful for the dedication of the brave men and women serving on the front lines, and we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our first responders,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “We will continue to follow the recommendations of federal, state and local health officials as we work to serve those who serve us throughout this rapidly evolving public health crisis.”

Baltimore County Police Department officials were notified today that one officer has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is recovering and is currently in self-quarantine.

“Unfortunately, we just received confirmation regarding our first positive COVID-19 case of one of our officers. Our police officers are on the front lines in our community each day during this pandemic. Please continue to keep our officer in your thoughts during recovery,” said Police Chief Melissa Hyatt. “We ask that the community continues to assist us in staying safe by remaining home and meeting our officers outside on calls for service whenever possible. We will continue to take all possible precautions to keep both our workforce and our community safe.”

Baltimore County Fire Department officials were notified today that one member of Fire Department Support Services has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual has mild symptoms and is currently in self-quarantine.

“The health and well-being of our members is of utmost importance,” said Fire Chief Joanne R. Rund. “Our residents depend on us to be there for them, and those of us on the front lines of this pandemic need to take care of ourselves in order to do that.”

Both the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Fire Department are coordinating with the Department of Health to ensure proper precautions are taken to protect other Department personnel and members of the public. Both Departments are following health department guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing work areas and equipment. Other steps include use of appropriate personal protective equipment and daily “healthy check-ins” for all employees to ensure anyone with symptoms of illness is sent home.

The Baltimore County Health Department, in coordination with state health officials, has initiated contact trace investigations for both cases to help determine any contacts each individual may have had and to take appropriate precautions as needed to limit the spread of the virus.

County will Provide Food-Insecure Residents with Groceries through Partnerships with Keany Produce and Gourmet, Maryland Food Bank, and Others

Baltimore County today announced plans to expand grocery distribution to food insecure families by distributing boxes of groceries at 11 sites around the County on Saturday, March 28, for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The distribution will include various grocery items, including fresh produce supplied by Maryland-based Keany Produce & Gourmet, bread from H&S Bakery, and other items from the Maryland Food Bank.

“As we continue to respond to this rapidly evolving situation, we are doing whatever we can to ensure residents can access fundamental necessities—especially food,” Olszewski said. “We are so thankful for the partnership of Keany Produce, H&S Bakery, the Maryland Food Bank, and all our partners to help provide food security for Baltimore County families during this challenging time.”

Last weekend, the Maryland Food Bank provided boxes of groceries and Keany Produce donated 360 boxes of produce to support weekend meal distribution coordinated by Baltimore County Government at nine sites around the County.

This week, Baltimore County will purchase 1,100 boxes of produce from Keany to distribute to food insecure residents.

Locations

Distribution will expand to cover 11 sites:

• Arbutus Community Center 
  865 Sulphur Spring Road, Halethorpe, Maryland 21227

• Cockeysville PAL Center
  9836 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030

• Dundalk PAL Center
  15 Commerce Place, Dundalk, Maryland 21222

• Hillendale PAL Center
  1111 Halstead Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21234

• Mars Estates PAL Center
  1498 East Homberg Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21221

• Scotts Branch PAL Center
  3651 Rolling Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21244

• Shady Spring PAL Center
  8876 Goldenwood Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21237

• Winfield PAL Center
  8304 Carlson Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21244

• Woodmoor PAL Center
  7111 Croydon Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21207

• Hereford Senior Center
  510 Monkton Road, Monkton, Maryland 21111

• Reisterstown Senior Center
  12035 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown, Maryland 21136

In addition to fresh produce, such as apples, oranges, pears, bananas, broccoli florets, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions, the County will be distributing bread and other grocery items. Groceries will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Food Distribution Efforts

The County continues to work with various vendors and partners to ensure future availability of groceries throughout the pandemic. Residents should check the County’s Food Resources page regularly for updates.

The goal of this distribution is to offer sustained meals and fresh produce for food insecure families who may be struggling during this difficult time.

Food insecure residents can find the location nearest them using Baltimore County’s Food Distribution Sites Map.

This is the latest effort from Baltimore County to support food access during this global pandemic.

Department of Recreation and Parks Providing Meals

The Department of Recreation and Parks is offering limited meal distribution through the Maryland Food Bank and Healthy Food Access St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. The Department is offering take-away meals from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Meals are distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Food Distribution Sites Map 

Baltimore County has released the Food Distribution Sites Map providing information about food pantries and locations offering free meals throughout the County. It includes locations operated by both the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks PAL centers and Baltimore County Public Schools. Users can search for locations closest to where they live. The map will be updated as additional food resources become available for youth, seniors and other populations.

BaltCo To-Go Map

The County has unveiled the BaltCo To-Go Map, allowing restaurants to self-report whether they are offering carryout and delivery services. Restaurant operators can share their location and what services they are providing, and the data collected will populate an interactive online map that residents can search. Establishments that want to share their information can use an online form.

Baltimore County Public Schools Student Meals

Baltimore County Public Schools is continuing to provide BCPS students with breakfast, lunch, and dinner at locations across Baltimore County. Students must be present to receive meals in the parking lots of the locations identified below on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For the latest information, please visit the BCPS Coronavirus Updates page.

Contact

Residents with questions or who need assistance with food access can call 410-887-2594 or email food@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Seniors, or individuals contacting us on behalf of a senior with food access needs, can call 410-887-2594 or email aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Residents Can Provide Feedback on CZMP 2020 Rezoning Issues

The Baltimore County Department of Planning has launched a new application on its website to accept public comments on the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) 2020 rezoning issues. The application includes an interactive map with information about each issue broken down by council district.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings, the in-person Planning Board public hearings were cancelled; however, the Planning Board will review all information and input collected and hold a live-streamed meeting on April 21, 2020 at 6 p.m.

During the meeting, which can be viewed and heard online by the public, the Planning Board chairman will summarize the comments and materials that were submitted for issues in each Council District.

Deadline for Comments

The comment period for both submitting written material and using the online application to make comments will end on April 10, 2020. Comments can be emailed to czmp2020@baltimorecountymd.gov, or mailed to:

Baltimore County Department of Planning
Attn: CZMP Coordinator
Jefferson Building
105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 101
Towson, Maryland 21204

Planning Board Work Sessions

Beginning April 22, 2020 the Planning Board will begin holding the CZMP 2020 Planning Board work sessions. The work sessions will also be live-streamed. The Planning Board work sessions have always been open to the public for observation, but have never allowed public comment. Due to restrictions for public gatherings at the current time, the public will also not be allowed to attend the work sessions.

Actions Taken to Protect Against COVID-19

Baltimore County has taken a number of steps to protect employees and members of the public and minimize the spread of COVID-19, and to provide residents with necessary resources. Olszewski has issued an Emergency Declaration and taken the following actions:

• Mandatory Employee Telework: Baltimore County has mandated telework for all employees who are able to do so.

• Department of Recreation and Parks Providing Meals: The Department of Recreation and Parks will be offering limited meal distribution to children 18 and under through the Maryland Food Bank and Healthy Food Access St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. The Department will offer the take-away meals from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Meals will be distributed on a first come first serve basis at the following locations:

  • Dundalk PAL Center, 15 Commerce Place, Dundalk, Maryland 21222
  • Mars Estates PAL Center, 1498 East Homberg Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21221
  • Shady Spring PAL Center, 8876 Goldenwood Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21237
  • Hillendale PAL Center, 1111 Halstead Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21234
  • Cockeysville PAL Center, 9836 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
  • Scotts Branch PAL Center, 3651 Rolling Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
  • Winfield PAL Center, 8304 Carlson Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
  • Woodmoor PAL Center, 7111 Croydon Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21207

• Water Shutoffs Halted: County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Mayor Young announced that neither municipality will turn off water service for failure to pay.

• Evictions Suspended: All evictions have been suspended for the duration of the state of emergency in the County.

• Fast-tracking Alcohol Delivery for Bars and Restaurants: Expediting approvals to temporarily allow establishments to deliver alcoholic beverages to residents in Baltimore County.

• Government Building Restrictions: Directed County government buildings to be available to the public through appointment only

• Baltimore County Health Department Hotline: The Baltimore County Department of Health has a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns about COVID-19: the number is 410-887-3816. The hotline is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Extension of licenses and permits: County Executive Olszewski issued an executive order providing an extension of all County licenses, permits, registrations, and other authorizations until 30 days following the end of the local state of emergency. This applies to suspensions concerning payments of late fees owed to Baltimore County.

• Baltimore County Public Libraries Closed: All Baltimore County Public Library branch locations are closed through Sunday March 29, 2020.

• Baltimore County Senior Centers Closed: All Baltimore County Senior Centers will be closed to the public beginning until further notice. Seniors can call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-887-2594. Calls are answered by a team of Certified Information and Assistance Specialists (CIRS), Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Department of Recreation and Parks Buildings Closed: All Department of Recreation and Parks buildings are closed to the public until further notice. County parks, trails and open space remain open to the public. All dog parks, playgrounds, skate parks, comfort stations and portable toilets are closed.

• CCBC Classes Canceled: All in-person CCBC classes are canceled through Friday, March 22, and will resume remotely via alternative teaching methods starting Monday, March 23. Online classes will continue to be held as scheduled.

• Suspension of County Travel: Suspending all County government-related travel through April 30, 2020.

The latest updates from the Baltimore County School System, including information on school meals, is available on the BCPS website.

All County residents are encouraged to take the proper precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including regular hand-washing and social distancing as appropriate. All residents, and particularly those at high risk, should follow CDC guidance.

• For up-to-date fact sheets and information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

• For the latest information from the state of Maryland, please visit: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/

• For the latest information from Baltimore County, please visit: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/health.

Would Be Deployed to Locations Across the County as Needed

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today requested Maryland National Guard support in Baltimore County to provide humanitarian and emergency management assistance to County government as it continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve asked for the Guard’s help to support our County’s evolving response to this unprecedented pandemic,” Olszewski said. “These are neighbors from our communities who are here to support us all during this uncertain time. We’ll continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners across the state to provide assistance to our communities, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.”

Earlier this month, Governor Hogan mobilized the Maryland National Guard to respond to various missions statewide, including addressing local government needs.

The Maryland National Guard would support food distribution operations at school and recreational sites throughout Baltimore County and provide additional planning and logistical support to enhance the County’s emergency response.

National Guard forces would be staged at the Timonium Fairgrounds and then be deployed to locations across the County as needed.