Coronavirus Closures, Insurance Options, Updates For HoCo

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — As the number of new coronavirus cases grow in Howard County, government officials remind residents of how they can help curb the spread and what new policies might affect them since the county falls under a state of emergency.

• The governor issued an Executive Order to close all bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms at 5 p.m. on March 16. Carryout and delivery service is allowed. Additionally, there is a strict ban on gatherings of more than 50 people at all venues and locations per CDC recommendations. He has prohibited all utilities from shutting off any residential customers, and is prohibiting any evictions.
• The Maryland Health Connection opened a new special enrollment period to uninsured Marylanders who need health coverage during the State of Emergency for coronavirus.
• Department of social services tools are accessible online or by phone: Apply for SNAP (Food Stamps or Cash Assistance), apply for medical assistance and health insurance, and long-term care. Or call 1-800-332-6347 and request a paper application and mail, email or fax to local office. Email: Howco.dss@maryland.gov. Fax 410-872-4231. Residents can submit any required documentation via the MYDHR portal or via email: Child support: hoco.child_support@maryland.gov; FIA: fia.hoco@maryland.gov. Check MYDHR account for case updates. Contact the call center at 1-800-332-6347 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., call 410-872-8700, or Email Howco.dss@maryland.gov
• County Executive Ball directed the Mall in Columbia to close at midnight March 15 for at least seven days, with the exception of restaurants with external access. The Shops at Savage Mill, and two movie theaters, Regal Snowden Square and AMC Columbia were also instructed to close at midnight March 15 for at least seven days.
• All county employees that are able were instructed to telework as of Monday, March 16, until further notice. All out-of-state official travel for county employees has been canceled through April 24.
• All Howard County government gatherings, events, and meetings that attract one of the high-risk populations were canceled or rescheduled for March 12–April 26, to be reassessed as developments arise.
• Howard County officials issued public guidance regarding canceling or postponing meetings, events and gatherings.
• Howard County Sheriff's Office has stayed all evictions for March 13–March 28 and they will be re-evaluated with developments. Gov. Hogan ordered all evictions stopped until he lifts the emergency.
• All Howard County Public Schools are closed from March 14–March 27.
• All Howard County Libraries are closed from March 16–March 27.
• Howard Community College is closed for spring break March 15-22. All noncredit and credit classes are canceled March 23-29.
• All 50+ centers are closed from March 13 until further notice.
• All 50+ centers programs, activities and events are canceled until further notice.
• All indoor recreation facilities are closed from March 13 – March 27.
• All department of recreation and parks programs, classes and events are canceled from March 13–29, to be reevaluated on March 30.
• Gov. Hogan has banned all events or gatherings of 250 or more people, including social and religious events.

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See More:

• 3 New Coronavirus Cases Identified In Howard County
• MD Governor Orders Restaurants, Bars, Gyms, Theaters To Close
• MD Comptroller Requests $500M From State To Support Businesses
• Free Lunches, Breakfast Available To Howard County Students
• MD Grocery Stores Cut Hours For Coronavirus Cleaning, Restocking