HoCo State Of Emergency Lifted, Progress Made: County Executive Ball

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The state of emergency in Howard County has been lifted, two years after it was first implemented because of the coronavirus pandemic. During a news conference, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball emphasized a roadmap to recovery and cited the county’s high vaccination rate with more than 90 percent of residents age five and older fully vaccinated, a low positivity rate at 2.28 percent and a case rate of 6.6 per 100,000 residents.

He also highlighted the historic progress made over the last year with the implementation of 93 percent of key recommendations from the HoCo RISE Collaborative report, a recovery blueprint developed by community stakeholders, which was released one year ago.

“As we look back on the past 24 months, it is important to reflect on what we’ve lost, think about what we’ve learned and move forward with purpose,” Ball said. “Howard County has always been a leader in our region and how we’ve handled this crisis is no exception. We’ve already implemented 14 out of 15 key recommendations from our HoCo RISE Collaborative. Ranging from working to close the digital divide, to providing equitable access to vaccines and leveraging big data to provide relief and support to different sectors. This is your government working innovatively and efficiently to keep people safe and stay focused on create the best quality of life for all. We are now confident that when Howard County faces a new threat, no matter who is serving in our various roles, we know we can meet the moment to help our community recover and rise.”

Ball also highlighted additional response and recovery efforts including:

• Boosting restaurants, local small businesses and childcare providers with more than $20 million in HoCo RISE business grants.
• Expanding broadband to 85 percent of households who lacked service.
• Supporting educators with $1,800 bonuses.
• Distributing more than $15 million in rental and mortgage relief funding for those facing housing insecurity from the pandemic, supporting more than 2,000 households.
• Providing $1 million to nonprofit organizations to support most vulnerable residents.
• Investing $2 million in funding for mental health supports so that all 78 middle schools have access to a social worker.
• And investing approximately $1.5 million for HoCo STRIVES expanding wrap-around services for vulnerable students.

“This workgroup focused on a vaccine equity plan, and vaccine operations were set in motion to deliver on that plan,” Public Health Workgroup Chair Dr. Elizabeth Kromm said. “There were mobile vaccine operations across the county, clinics popped up in community centers, senior centers, apartment buildings, schools, businesses, HCC and even parking lots. My team at the hospital partnered with our faith-based organizations to hold clinics at different congregations and houses of worship. If you have not yet gotten a vaccine, it isn’t too late. If you have been vaccinated but haven’t received your 3rd shot, please make time to get boosted this week.”