(4/2021) County Eases COVID-19 Restrictions
While the rate of new cases continues to improve in Frederick County, hospitalizations remain high, putting the health care system at risk of being overwhelmed if new variants of the virus create a third wave.
"While we are making progress with improved health metrics and our vaccination efforts, our hospitalizations and our deaths remain higher than we would like them to be," Executive Gardner said. "The virus is still with us, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We must all be smart and do our part to contain the spread of the virus."
Frederick County will align with the Governor’s recent action to lift capacity limitations for certain businesses and activities. Businesses must continue to comply with all distancing, disinfecting and masking requirements. Restaurants must continue to space tables at least 6 feet apart, according to the Governor’s Executive Order, which means many restaurants’ capacity will still be limited. Diners must remain seated and cannot congregate. Most citizens will see no difference. Religious organizations, personal services, and indoor recreation establishments should continue to follow all directives and requirements for distancing, cleaning and disinfecting. Masks remain mandatory in all public spaces for people ages 5 and older.
The Frederick County Board of Health regulations that were enacted on Nov. 27, 2020, remain in place. Those regulations limit social gatherings, both inside and outside, to 25 people. Social gatherings include parties, cookouts, parades, celebrations, festivals, conventions and fundraisers, but do not include normal business operations. Wedding venues are limited to 50% and may not serve food in a buffet format. Fitness centers, health clubs, gyms, aquatic centers, and self-defense schools to 25% capacity. A majority vote of the Board of Health is needed to lift these limitations.
Executive Gardner thanked members of the county’s Federal delegation for their support of the newly passed American Relief Bill. Frederick County Government will receive more than $50 million over the next two years to help fund vaccination efforts, lift children out of poverty, provide assistance to businesses, and invest in critical infrastructure. Municipalities within Frederick County will receive an additional $45 million from the legislation.
There have been 17,324 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Frederick County. The county’s seven-day rolling rate of cases for every 100,000 people is 12.60, and the positivity rate stands at 3.69%. To date, 278 Frederick County residents have died as a result of the virus. Vaccines have been administered to 18.9% of the population.
Schools, Libraries, Parks and More Projects in Preliminary Capital Budget
County Executive Jan Gardner shared highlights of major construction projects included in the preliminary capital budget, reviewed operating budget requests, and announced plans to hold a virtual public hearing on the upcoming fiscal year. The budget is based on no property or income tax rate increases. Highlights of the six-year Capital Improvement Program include two new schools in the Oakdale/Linganore area to alleviate crowded schools, renovation of Thurmont Elementary School, new libraries in Middletown and Oakdale/Linganore, and expansions of the Old National Pike District Park and Othello Regional Park.
Executive Gardner encouraged the community to share their priorities at her March 22 public hearing. "Preparing the county budget is the most important responsibility I have as County Executive and the most significant task we do together as a community," said Executive Gardner. "I want to hear from the public to make sure the County’s budget reflects our community’s priorities."
In the draft capital budget, priority school projects remain on track. These include the construction of the new Rock Creek School, Blue Heron Elementary School, a larger Waverley Elementary, a new Brunswick Elementary School with a community gymnasium, and a 300-seat addition to Crestwood Middle School. Other projects in the six-year Capital Improvement Program include new fire stations in Green Valley, Carroll Manor and Jefferson Tech, an expansion of the Animal Control center, trails, and new park development and expansion.
Fiscal Year 2022 begins July 1. A full list of budget appeals is available for review at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Budget. The public hearing is scheduled for March 22. The public can watch the online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGTV.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Expands
Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced a significant expansion of the County’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The updated program will be able to assist more renters under more circumstances for a longer time. Funded by a $7.7 million grant from the U.S. Treasury Department, the expanded COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program is made possible through a partnership with the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs.
"The economic hardship from the pandemic has taken its toll on many people through no fault of their own," Executive Gardner said. "Expanding our rental assistance program should allow more residents to stay in their homes. I appreciate our strong partnership with the Religious Coalition to bring this much-needed assistance to the people who most need it."
Renters who have been financially affected may be eligible for up to 12 months of payments toward rent dating back to March of 2020, as well as utility and home energy payments for renters. Utilities may include electricity, gas, water and sewer, trash removal, and energy costs such as fuel oil. In some cases, the cost for internet service also may be eligible. The program may cover other expenses related to housing that were incurred directly or indirectly as a result of the health pandemic.
To be eligible, applicants must be renting in Frederick County, have lost income or experienced a financial hardship related to COVID-19. Applications will be accepted beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 15. To apply online, visit www.rcehn.org/covid-emergency-rental-assistance. Those without access to the internet may call 1-800-220-9528. Questions about the program should be emailed to COVIDhelp@rcehn.org.
Vaccine Distribution Effort Includes Steps to Ensure Equity
More than 1 in 5 Frederick County residents have now received at least one dose of vaccine to protect against the COVID-19 virus, and 12.7% of residents are fully vaccinate, County Executive Jan Gardner announced. As vaccine availability ramps up in the coming weeks, public health experts and community partners are working together to ensure hard-to-reach populations have access to vaccinations. Of particular concern are ethnic and racial groups who historically suffer poorer health outcomes, as well as people who live in rural areas. According to the most recent Frederick County Community Health Assessment, people of color experience higher rates of every health indicator, from cancer rates to infant mortality.
"It is important that everyone in our community have access to health care, especially during a pandemic," Executive Gardner said. "People without access to care are often in poorer health, which makes them more likely to get severely sick or die when new viruses emerge. We are working with key partners to make sure vaccinations are available to all residents in an equitable manner."
In Maryland, a disproportionate number of Black residents have died from COVID-19. In Frederick, Hispanics make up only 10.5% of the population but nearly 14% of all confirmed cases of the virus.
To address the disparity, Frederick County has taken a number of steps to ensure everyone has access to the COVID-19 vaccination effort. Vital public health information is presented in multiple formats and languages. Outreach efforts include trusted community members. And community vaccination clinics are being scheduled by the Frederick County Health Department in collaboration with the faith community, as well as with cultural and ethnic organizations.
Because race and ethnicity have been tied directly to disparities in all health indicators for which sufficient data exists, Executive Gardner joined Public Health Officer Dr. Barbara Brookmyer, and County Council Member M.C. Keegan-Ayer in signing a joint declaration of racism as a public health crisis. Council Member Keegan-Ayer represents Council District 3, the most culturally and ethnically diverse district in Frederick County.
