 A Message from County
Executive Marc Elrich It saddens me to report that today we have had three more Montgomery County residents die due to COVID-19. Each day brings new pain to our residents who fall ill or have lost loved ones or friends. Our collective behaviors have life and death consequences. You can and must make a difference - by staying at home and following all the guidelines. Take a walk and get some fresh air, but please maintain physical distance when you do. What you do really matters - your family, friends, and neighbors are counting on you. |  Marc Elrich, County Executive  Montgomery County's top leaders answered questions Thursday night from residents, business owners and first responders at the County's first COVID-19 Virtual Community Briefing. The live event featured County Executive Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith, County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles and Director of the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Dr. Earl Stoddard who answered questions ranging from testing to distance learning and help for small businesses.  Montgomery County is facing a critical shortage of protective equipment for first responders and medical personnel and is asking the public for donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Personal Protective Equipment includes: - Respirators (N95 or KN95)
- Masks (surgical or procedural)
- Gowns (medical, isolation, or surgical)
- Face Shields (medical goggles or safety glasses)
- Gloves
"This unprecedented health challenge has brought out the best in our community and many people and organizations are helping," said Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Dr. Earl Stoddard. "The County has already received donations from many businesses currently unable to operate due to the mandate to close nonessential businesses. Local construction companies, laboratories, and manufacturers have also offered supplies. The County can use more PPE as the shortage continues."  There is a temporary eviction moratorium in place in Montgomery County and the State of Maryland that prohibits landlords from physically removing renters from their homes for any reason. Evictions also may not happen without an eviction order, which cannot occur as long as Maryland courts are closed. Maryland courts are currently closed through May 1. Montgomery County's DHCA Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs recommends that tenants experiencing financial distress contact their landlord to discuss their situation and possible payment arrangements. Residents with questions or concerns can also contact the County's Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs. Lea el communicado en Español  By now you should have received your invitation to complete the 2020 Census. If you haven't completed it already, please take the next 10 minutes to respond online by visiting www.2020Census.gov or via phone at 844-330-2020. The 2020 Census is SAFE, CONFIDENTIAL, EASY & IMPORTANT!  Montgomery County's Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) warns consumers to be alert for potential scams and fraud related to the COVID-19 health crisis. Scams include claims to sell products to cure the virus. At this time, there are no products proven to cure COVID-19. "Health concerns are paramount during this global pandemic, so consumers need to be aware of ploys in which scammers exploit our fears and desire for immediate information," said OCP Director Eric Friedman. "Don't fall for email messages offering to provide a map of your neighbors who have tested positive. These crooks are creative and one wrong click on a computer can result in a computer virus." Lea el communicado en Español  Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) now has an array of digital services to serve library customers during the temporary closure of library branches. Services include easier access to MCPL resources and virtual programming opportunities, as well as a new digital library card that gives cardholders immediate access to most online services and resources. "Our buildings are closed, but the libraries are very much open for business," said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. "We are still here to provide information, recreation and education to our community, and we've taken significant steps to increase that service in the face of this health crisis." Lea el communicado en Español  Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation is Prepared for COVID-19 Cases The Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR) has not had a positive case of COVID-19 to date, but preparation is critically important. DOCR has established plans to respond to COVID-19 at all of its facilities. "The health and well-being of our employees and those in our custody are our highest priority," said DOCR Director Angela Talley. "The Department of Correction and Rehabilitation is working continuously to respond to COVID-19 and implement practices to protect our staff and inmate population within our facilities." Lea el communicado en Español |  Restaurants throughout the County continue serving the public with pickup, takeout, and delivery service. This provides a much needed and welcome resource for residents, while also keeping restaurants open and their staff employed. A list of restaurants throughout the County that remain open during this health crisis can be found at the MoCoEats website. MoCoEats is operated by Visit Montgomery MD. | 
