By Rhoshima Bromfield
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore County has more than 350 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and County Executive Johnny Olszewski said Thursday every precaution is being taken to slow infections while protecting the health and welfare of residents.
“You can be a hero, you can help save the lives of your family and friends by just staying home,” Olszewski said during a virtual town hall meeting to discuss the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the entire state of Maryland under a Stay-at-home order, Olszewski confirmed that early Thursday, there were 353 positive cases in Baltimore County with the total number of positive cases across Maryland around 2331. Among the 36 deaths reported in the state, two are county residents, he said.
Olszewski said it is impossible to know how long the pandemic will last.
Health Officer Gregory Branch reminded the gathering there is no treatment or cure for the virus but stressed that researchers, doctors and other health care professionals can slow the process. Even with that capability, however, Branch said Maryland and most other states across America are struggling with inadequate supplies.
“It will get worse before it gets better,” said Branch, director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services.
Branch stressed that the community can take part in solving the problem by first not panicking, washing their hands frequently, practicing social distancing, covering their coughs and sneezes, and most importantly, staying at home when sick. A COVID-19 hotline (410-887-3816) has been established for those with questions and concerns, he said.
“This is a marathon not a sprint,” said Branch, urging folk to stay away from fake news and incorrect information. “This is a race we can and will win.”
Police Chief Melissa Hyatt said the department continues to respond to critical 911 calls and catch criminals as crimes occur. Hyatt suggested that people with non-emergency calls and cases should make online reports or a telephone report at 410-887-2222 to limit exposure.
Hyatt said it is important to follow federal, state and local guidelines. She stressed that if a motorist gets pulled over for a traffic violation and officers learn that person is not traveling for an essential reason, a fine will be added to the regular traffic violation.
Fire Chief Joanna Rund said that the Emergency Operations Center currently operates virtually.
Baltimore County Schools Superintendent Daryl Williams said that learning plans that students can use at home will start April 6. Teachers will be available weekdays and can meet online weekly with students. Schools will not be administering state assessments, he said. Prom will not occur this year, but final decisions have not been made about graduations.
Williams said there were more than 50,000 meals distributed during the first week of school closures. He said the meals will continue to be distributed at 50 sites for anyone 18 years old and younger. He said thousands of students have received breakfast, lunch and dinner meals, although there will be no service on April 10 and 12, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, respectively.
Meals also will be distributed by Recreation and Parks, Director Roslyn Johnson said. Meals can be picked up Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to people of all ages while supplies last. There are also sites where people can drive up and get a box of groceries, she added, noting a food hotline number, 443-887-2554.
Johnson said that basketball rims and tennis nets had to be removed so that no one can play. Removing these enticements should deter individuals from trying to use the area and keep residents safe.
Will Anderson, executive director of Economic & Workforce Development, encouraged everyone who has lost their job to file for unemployment insurance. Even if you have been declined, file again because it is no longer required to do a job search for unemployment during this time, he said.
Anderson said that 96% of business are feeling the effects of COVID-19. On Friday, he said all Maryland small businesses can apply for the paycheck protection program. The program authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the crisis. All loan terms are the same for everyone, officials said.
“Many solutions are coming,” Anderson said.