Montgomery County April COVID-19 Update
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County Update: April 21, 2021
Dear Friend,
We have been in this fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic for over a year now. Thanks to the lifesaving vaccines and thanks to our residents for respecting the science and following the public health guidelines, we have made some real strides in Montgomery County.
On Monday, Montgomery County recorded its lowest number of new COVID-19 cases in over a year! And with 9.8 cases per 100,000 residents, we have the third-lowest case rate in the state of Maryland. (The only two counties with lower case rates are tiny Talbot and Somerset Counties -- each with fewer residents than the City of Rockville.)
Our consistent focus on our public health guidelines and our investments in racial equity are paying off. Despite the significant, dual challenges of having the largest and most diverse jurisdiction in the state, Montgomery County is an island of relatively low risk compared to our surrounding counties.
Over 46 percent of county residents have received their first vaccine dose, and over 28 percent of residents are fully vaccinated.
Still, we cannot let our guard down. With the rising threat of new variant strains, we must continue to be vigilant with our mask wearing, social distancing and upholding other public safety measures that keep us safe.
The Council, acting as the Board of Health, will continue to work with our public health officials to provide data-driven guidance on reopening plans that are made in the best interest of our residents’ health and safety.
On Tuesday, we introduced, held a public hearing, and voted to pass our fourth Amended Board of Health Regulation that provided guidance on school graduation ceremonies. The amendment I proposed with Council Vice President Gabe Albornoz includes several a number of public safety guidelines. Some of which include:- Limits attendance for an outdoor graduation to 50 percent of the outdoor venue’s maximum occupancy.
- Limits attendance for an indoor graduation to 25 percent of maximum capacity or 250 people, whichever is smaller.
- Members of the audience from different households must remain at least six feet apart at all times.
Lastly, I’m coming to you for a favor. Last week, we launched Phase 3 of the Rent Relief Program, which includes $59 million in emergency rental assistance for Montgomery County families.
I need your help getting the word out about the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program.
COVID-19 has created an unprecedented public health and economic crisis that has hit all of us. But tenants have been severely disproportionately impacted.
We already had far too much housing instability. And the pandemic has made things far worse. Now more than ever, tenants are struggling to keep up with rent and are in dire need of assistance.
Through the Rent Relief Program, families will be eligible for up to $12,000 in emergency rent relief for up to 15 months of lost rent. These funds will provide a timely lifeline for our struggling tenants.
If you have a friend, family member, or neighbor in need of rental assistance, please direct them to apply at MC311.COM/RENTRELIEF. The application and additional information are available in seven languages.
It’s so important that we get the word out to every tenant and that our residents feel comfortable applying. I hope I can count on you to share this critical information with your own networks.
And as always, stay safe and stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Tom Hucker
Montgomery County Council President