CRITICAL UPDATES – NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

(last updated Monday, March 23 at 18:45)

This communication includes critical information and guidance related to COVID-19 and will be updated at least daily as more information becomes available and / or as the situation evolves. If you have questions or suggestions, please email: eric.costello@baltimorecity.gov or call 410-396-4816. Information is organized in the sections listed below.

  1. Health Guidance (City, State, and Federal)
  2. Non-Emergency Coronavirus Calls – 2-1-1
  3. State of Maryland – Executive Orders and Proclamations
  4. City of Baltimore – Executive Orders and Proclamations
  5. City of Baltimore – Joint Information Center (JIC)
  6. Food Distribution
  7. Food Markets
  8. Medical Prescriptions
  9. Public Transportation
  10. Parking
  11. Public K-12 Schools
  12. Special Events
  13. Senior Daily Check-Ins
  14. City-Operated Senior Center Buildings
  15. Small Business Resources
  16. Utilities – DPW Water Service – Disconnections Suspended
  17. Utilities – BGE Service – Disconnections Suspended
  18. Utilities – Comcast / Xfinity Service – Disconnections Suspended
  19. Utilities – Verizon Service – Disconnections Suspended
  20. Utilities – Vicinity Energy (formerly Veolia)
  21. Joint Information Center (JIC)
  22. Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC)
  23. City Agencies – Baltimore Police Department (BPD)
  24. City Agencies – Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW)
  25. City Agencies – Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT)
  26. City Agencies – Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
  27. City Agencies – Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP)
  28. City Agencies – Baltimore City Health Department
  29. City Agencies – Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) Safe Streets
  30. City Agencies – Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED)
  31. City Agencies – Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS)
  32. City Agencies – Baltimore Municipal and Zoning Appeals (BMZA)
  33. City Agencies – Baltimore City Board of Liquor License Commissioners (BLLC)
  34. City Agencies – Baltimore City Planning Commission
  35. City Agencies – Environmental Control Board
  36. City Agencies – Community Action Partnership (CAP) Centers
  37. City Agencies – BARCS Animal Shelter
  38. City Agencies – Enoch Pratt Free Library
  39. City Agencies – Family League of Baltimore
  40. City Agencies – Visit Baltimore
  41. City Agencies – Baltimore City Council
  42. City Agencies – Office of the Labor Commissioner
  43. Baltimore City Employees
  44. Baltimore City Payments
  45. Baltimore City Tax Sale
  46. Baltimore City Issued Licenses and Permits
  47. Maryland State Issued Licenses and Permits
  48. State Agencies – Motor Vehicle Administration
  49. Taxes (Local, State, and Federal)
  50. Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
  51. Evictions
  52. Jury Trials
  53. Guidance for Community Based Organizations
  54. Guidance for Faith Based Institutions
  55. Volunteering Opportunities
  56. Multilingual Guidance
  57. Maryland General Assembly Session
  58. Primary Elections
  59. 11th District Community Benefits Districts
  60. 11th District Universities
  61. 11th District Hospitals
  1. HEALTH GUIDANCE (City, State, and Federal):
    1. Baltimore City Health Department Infographics (please share these on social media): https://health.baltimorecity.gov/coronavirus/infographics
    2. Baltimore City – Confirmed Cases: 28 total, no deaths, as of March 22 at 12:30
    3. Maryland –  Confirmed Cases: 289 total, including 3 deaths, as of March 23 at 13:00
    4. United States – Confirmed Cases: 40,069 total, including 340 deaths, as of March 23 at 13:30
    5. City – Baltimore City Health Department: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
    6. State – Maryland Department of Health: https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx
    7. Federal – Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
    8. World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
  2. NON-EMERGENCY CORONAVIRUS CALLS: the Baltimore City Health Department and the Baltimore City Fire Department are urging citizens to call 2-1-1 for non-emergency coronavirus related issues. 9-1-1 should only be used for emergency calls.
  3. STATE OF MARYLAND – EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND PROCLAMATIONS:
    1. Amending the Executive Order on Prohibiting Large Gatherings and Events and Closing Senior Centers, and Additionally Closing All Non-Essential Businesses and Other Establishments: Executive Order – 20-03-23-01
    2. Interpretive Guidance for Amending the Executive Order on Prohibiting Large Gatherings and Events and Closing Senior Centers, and Additionally Closing All Non-Essential Businesses and Other Establishments: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-04.pdf
    3. Prohibiting Large Gatherings and Events and Closing Senior Centers, and Additionally Closing Bars, Restaurants, Fitness Centers, and Theaters, and Additionally Closing Various Other Establishments: Governor Hogan has amended a previous executive order that closes all bars and restaurants in the state, as well as fitness centers, spas, and theater, to reduce the size of social, cultural, and community gatherings to 10 people, and require the closure of all enclosed shopping malls, as well as bowling alleys and pool halls. https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Amending-Gatherings.pdf
    4. Interpretive guidance for Prohibiting Large Gatherings and Events and Closing Senior Centers, and Additionally Closing Bars, Restaurants, Fitness Centers, and Theaters, and Additionally Closing Various Other Establishments: The order allows for restaurants to continue carry-out, drive-thru, and delivery services, and allows for eateries in health care facilities to remain open: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-01.pdf
    5. Augmenting the Emergency Medical Services Workforce: Governor Hogan issued an emergency order to allow greater flexibility for emergency medical services personnel to augment other health care providers. This action will help bolster the state’s hospital surge plan. https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Emergency-Medical-Services.pdf
    6. Expanding Alcoholic Beverage Delivery and Carry-out Services: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that allows for delivery and carry-out sales of alcohol by restaurants, bars, distilleries, and wineries, subject to liquor laws and other conditions imposed by local alcoholic beverage authorities. https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Beverage-Delivery.pdf
    7. Closing Casinos, Racetracks, and Simulcast Betting Facilities: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Casino-Racetrack-OTB-Closure-Order-1.pdf
    8. Calling Maryland National Guard Into State of Active Duty: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/National-Guard.pdf
    9. Temporarily Prohibiting Evictions of Tenants Suffering Substantial Loss of Income Due to COVID-19: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can show that their failure to pay rent was the result of COVID-19—for example, because of lost or reduced unemployment, or needing to care for a school-aged child—or because they are diagnosed with, or under investigation for, COVID-19. https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Executive-Order-Temp-Evictions-Prohibiting.pdf
    10. Prohibiting Termination of Residential Services and Late Fees: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable TV, and internet service provider companies from shutting off any residential customer’s service, or charging any residential late fees. https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Executive-Order-Prohibit-Termination-of-Residential.pdf
    11. Omnibus Health Care Order: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Executive-Order-Health-Care-Matters.pdf
    12. Expanding Childcare Access: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Day-Care-Order.pdf
    13. Proclamation to Postpone April 28 Primary, Implement Vote-By-Mail System for 7th District Congressional Seat:  https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Renewal-of-State-of-Emergency.pdf
    14. Waiving Regulations Adopted for Motor Carrier Transportation: To help facilitate the movement of essential supplies, Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order to lift restrictions on the capacity of delivery trucks. Motor vehicles transporting equipment or supplies directly related to the COVID-19 state of emergency are allowed to exceed legal weight limits by up to 15%. The State Highway Administrator may also temporarily waive or modify hauling permit restrictions and conditions deemed safe and appropriate. https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Vehicle-Weight-Limits-3.18.20.pdf
  4. CITY OF BALTIMORE – EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Jack Young declared a State of Emergency on March 18, effective at 12:01pm. That order is explained here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/281ebac
    1. State of Emergency Executive Order: State of Emergency Executive Order
    2. Freeze on Fiscal Year 2020 Hiring and Spending: As the City works to slow the the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young has instructed the Finance Department to immediately institute a freeze on all non-essential hiring and spending. On the hiring side, sworn public safety positions will be exempted. Those positions include police officers, paramedics, firefighters and EMT’s, and sheriff’s deputies. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/2824a3a
    3. Memo from Department of Finance on Freeze on Fiscal Year 2020 Hiring and Spending: Final Fiscal 2020 Freeze Memo
  5. JOINT INFORMATION CENTER (JIC): The City’s Joint Information Center (JIC) is providing a daily summary of Coronavirus related actions the City of Baltimore is taking. Please see here: JIC – Daily Briefing – March 22
  6. FOOD DISTRIBUTION:
    1. Map of Baltimore City Food Distribution Sites (shorthand): https://health.baltimorecity.gov/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/food-distribution-sites
    2. Map of Baltimore City Food Distribution Sites (full map): https://bit.ly/38XqBp2
    3. Weekend Meals for Kids: https://www.bmorechildren.com/weekendmeals
    4. Baltimore City Public Schools Meal Sites: Baltimore City Public School System operating 17 food distribution sites, where students can receive breakfast and lunch between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A list of the 17 sites can be found here: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/health-updates
    5. Rec Centers Meal Sites: 40 of the City’s 44 centers will instead serve as food distribution hubs, where school-age children can pick up a midday snack, and prepared dinners in the evening (this does not include special facilities such as Shake and Bake Family Fun Center and Upton Boxing Center). Beginning Monday, students will be able to pick up a snack beginning at 2pm and receive dinner starting at 5pm at any one of 40 recreation center sites and the dinner program will end at 7pm. A list of sites can be found here: https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/bcrp-alerts-0
    6. Seniors: Older adults who participate in Eating Together in Baltimore should reserve a meal through their Eating Together Site and should call Maryland Access Point at 410-396-2273 for their pickup time. Older adults who are not Eating Together Participants but need meals should also contact Maryland Access Point.
    7. University of Maryland Medical Center: boxed lunches for students K-5, Saturdays & Sundays, March 21 – April 12, 10am – 1pm, at Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School, 507 W Preston St.
    8. Map of Maryland Food Bank Recommended Food Distribution Sites: https://mdfoodbank.org/find-food/
    9. Moveable Feast: https://www.mfeast.org/ and 410-327-3420
    10. Meals on Wheels: https://www.mealsonwheelsmd.org/ and 410.558.0827
    11. Maryland Access Point: 410-396-2273
    12. Guidance for Restaurants, Non-Profits, and Food Pantries Supporting Food Distribution Efforts: Food Handling Guidance for Restaurants Nonprofits and Pantries 3.18.20 final draft
  7. FOOD MARKETS:
    1. Baltimore Public Markets Corporation: Avenue Market and Lexington Market: In accordance with new actions announced by Governor Hogan which include the closure of shopping centers, limiting gatherings, and narrowing the use of transit travel due to COVID-19, Lexington Market and Baltimore Public Markets will close to the public effective at 5:00 PM on March 19 and remain closed until further notice. The Markets Corporation realizes this may be an inconvenience to many, however, the design of our markets limits the feasibility of continued carry-out when our merchants do not have direct exterior access to offer walk-up or drive-through services. By stopping patrons from entering and congregating to make purchases and by keeping our employees from using public transportation to get to work, we are doing our part in slowing the progression of this disease. We take seriously our roles in ensuring the health and safety of those in our community and will be closing Lexington, Avenue, Broadway, Hollins and Northeast markets. We will continue to update information on our websites and social media. Visit us at www.Lexingtonmarket.com and www.BPmarkets.com for further details.
    2. Cross Street Market: closed to the public effective March 19 at 5:00pm. Merchants are making food available for delivery and pick-up (at windows or on Light St exterior of the Market, through here: https://www.csmdelivers.com/. Updates should also be available on the Cross Street Market website: https://www.crossstmarket.com/
    3. Mount Vernon Marketplace: In response to Governor Hogan’s recent directives, the Mount Vernon Marketplace will be closing at 5 pm on March 16th, 2020. We will continue to follow the state’s mandates and recommendations to limit the spread of COVID-19. We want you to be assured of our commitment to everyone’s health and well-being. While the Marketplace is closed, we will be undergoing a deep clean and bleaching to eliminate any remaining germs from surfaces in the building. We truly appreciate your patience during this time. We will continue to monitor the situation, keep you informed, and provide additional updates, as appropriate. Website: http://mtvernonmarketplace.com/
    4. Grocery Store Deliveries: the following grocery stores do home deliveries.
        1. GIANT: PeaPod, 1800-573-2763
        2. Safeway: www.Safeway.com
        3. Eddie’s Roland Park: 410-889-1558
        4. ShopRite: www.Shop.shoprite.com
        5. Chesapeake Farm to Table: 443-841-2327, www.chesapeakefarmtotable.localfoodmarketplace.com/Products
    5. Grocery Store Options for Seniors and Vulnerable Shippers
        1. Safeways: every Tuesday and Thursday from 7am-9am is reserved for vulnerable shoppers, including senior citizens, to obtain groceries.
        2. Giant: Seniors may shop from 6AM-7AM
        3. Dollar General: Seniors may shop during first hour of each day
        4. Target: Seniors may shop an hour before stores open on Wednesdays
        5. Whole Foods: Seniors may shop an hour before opening
  8. MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS: the following pharmacies are delivering prescriptions:
      1. South Baltimore Pharmacy: 410-355-8500
      2. Northern Pharmacy: 410-254-2055
      3. Austin Pharmacy: 410-773-0300
      4. CVS: cvs.com/store-locator/landing
      5. Walgreens: walgreens.com/storelocator/find.jsp (some, but not all)
      6. Walmart: walmart.com/store/finder
      7. Target: target.com/store-locator/find-stores
      8. Giant: giantfood.com/store-locator
      9. Safeway: local.safeway.com/search.html
  9. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: The state is urging citizens to utilize transit for essential travel only, including emergency personnel, front-line health care workers, and anyone whose job is critical to the supply chain. Service changes here: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus
    1. MTA MARC Train: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule?type=marc-train
    2. MTA Metro Subway: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule/metrosubway
    3. MTA Bus: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule?type=local-bus
    4. MTA Light Rail: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule/lightrail
    5. Charm City Circulator: https://www.charmcitycirculator.com/
    6. Charm City Harbor Connector: https://www.charmcitycirculator.com/content/harbor-connector
    7. Water Taxi: https://baltimorewatertaxi.com/
    8. BWI Airport: https://www.bwiairport.com/
      1. On March 19, Governor Hogan has directed the Maryland Department of Transportation to restrict access to the BWI Marshall Terminal to ticketed passengers and employees only. Exceptions will be made for visitors assisting disabled passengers. Maryland Transportation Authority Police will strictly enforce this policy.
    9. Baltimore Cruise Ship Terminal: https://cruise.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx — the cruise ship terminal in Baltimore City is closed, with the exception of two ships. The Carnival (all passengers disembarked on March 15) and the Royal Caribbean (all passengers expected to disembark on March 19). All crew on the Carnival have to stay on the ship. No crew have had any symptoms. No Carnival passengers had symptoms, so no testing was done prior to disembarking. No Royal Caribbean passengers have any symptoms, so no testing will be done unless that changes in next 48 hours. No confirmed cases in Maryland are linked to anyone on the ship.
    10. Cashless Tolling: the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will move to all-cashless tolling statewide to limit interaction between the public and toll collectors. https://mdta.maryland.gov/blog-category/mdta-news-releases/statement-mdta-executive-director-jim-ports-march-17
  10. PARKING: The enforcement of Residential Permit Parking, street cleaning parking, 48-hour parking, abandoned vehicles and peak hour parking violations will be suspended. Transportation Enforcement Officers will focus on citing immediate safety and pedestrian issues.
    1. Mechanical Streetsweeping Parking Restrictions Lifted: DOT and DPW have agreed to not enforce parking restrictions for mechanical streetsweeping until further notice. More info In the letter I sent to DOT and DPW here: 2020.03.15 – Mechanical Streetsweeping
    2. 48 Hour Rule Parking Restrictions Lifted: DOT has agreed to not enforce the 48 hour rule until further notice. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/2816fd5
    3. Residential Permit Parking (RPP) Restrictions Lifted: DOT is not enforcing RPP restrictions until further notice.
    4. Abandoned Vehicle Restrictions Lifted: DOT is not enforcing Abandoned Vehicle restrictions until further notice.
    5. Parking meters: parking meter restrictions will not be in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency. No payment is required at parking meters.
    6. Parking Authority of Baltimore City (PABC) RPP Renewals: All Residential Parking Permits (RPP) that expire in the month of March or April of 2020, will be honored until further notice. Due to the Coronavirus/COVID 19 pandemic, the Parking Authority Office is currently closed to the public and is not requiring expiring permits to renew at this time. Please do not go online to purchase permits at this time. We will keep you updated as the situation continues.
      1. One-day parking permits (yellow) are not included in this grace period. Community pickups and extended hours for March and April, 2020 are canceled.
      2. March Expirations: Area 3: Bolton Hill: https://parking.baltimorecity.gov/residential-parking/neighborhoods/bolton
      3. April Expirations: Area 19: Federal Hill South: https://parking.baltimorecity.gov/residential-parking/neighborhoods/fed-south
      4. The Parking Authority of Baltimore remains closed. However, staff are available to assist the public via email at parkingauthority@bcparking.com  or by phone at (443) 573-2800. No employees will be working from the office until the emergency has been lifted.
    7. Parking Enforcement – Meters – Suspended: Parking meters/parking meter restrictions will not be in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency. No payment is required at parking meters.
      1. I’ve drafted a brief outline of why parking meters should still in place, below. Metered Parking Enforcement, Why It Is Necessary, Even During COVID-19:  I recognize that metered parking enforcement is wildly unpopular, and a lot of folks have raised concerns about it happening during the COVID-19 emergency.Philadelphia has stopped meter enforcement. As expected, the metered parking spaces are being taken up all day by commuters and other long-term parkers who should be using off-street parking. The spaces are, therefore, not available for safe pick-ups and drop-offs, pick-up of food from restaurants that offer carryout (but are otherwise closed), and people who need short-term street-level parking in those areas for a variety of reasons. People are double and triple parking for those actions, thereby blocking travel lanes (to emergency vehicles in some circumstances). While I believe everything is on the table as an option right now and there are certainly positives from suspending enforcement, the above are several good reasons to not suspend it. Everything is fluid at this point, so please stay tuned. In addition, I have asked the Administration and Parking Authority to explore implementation of temporary curbside loading zones adjacent to restaurants. The would entail establishing “No Parking” zones in areas with many restaurants. The established zones will prevent parking in front of the restaurants while allowing temporary “standing parking” of 15 minutes or less for curbside pickup and deliveries of carryout orders. Seattle, WA and Montgomery County, MD have implemented similar measures. Again, everything is fluid at this point, so please stay tuned.
  11. PUBLIC K-12 SCHOOLS:
    1. Closure: All public schools in MD are closed from Monday, March 16 – Friday, March 27. Plans re: child care and delivery of meals are being formulated. All private schools are encouraged to follow the State declaration.
    2. Public Schools Meal Sites: Baltimore City Public School System operating 17 food distribution sites, where students can receive breakfast and lunch between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A list of the 17 sites can be found here: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/health-updates
    3. Learning Packets: The district has developed downloadable learning packets by grade level that students may complete while schools are closed. Each grade level packet is broken into five days, with extension opportunities to cover additional learning time. Learning packets may be found online at https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/learning-packets or they may be picked up at any school from Tuesday, March 17 through Thursday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    4. COVID-19 Hotline: The district is operating a COVID-19 hotline to answer questions from students, families, and staff. Community members with City Schools-related questions are encouraged to call our hotline between 9 a.m and 4 p.m. at 443-984-2000. Select “2” to reach a customer service agent.
  12. SPECIAL EVENTS: all events with a capacity of > 10 are prohibited by the State until further notice.
  13. SENIOR DAILY CHECK-INS: The Maryland Department of Ageing has established a free, opt-in, daily telephonic service to check on Maryland’s older residents, all across the state:​ https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/senior-call-check.aspx
    1. We recommend all seniors use the program as a resource during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Senior Call Check phone lines are open M-F 8 am-5 pm and Saturday 9 am-3 pm.  During these hours, seniors can call toll-free 1-866-50-CHECK (1-866-502-0560) and register.  The verification and enrollment process can be completed within 24 hours Monday – Saturday.
    2. How does it work?: Every day a telephone call will be placed to a participant at a regularly scheduled time. These calls will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. as close as possible to the one-hour time block pre-selected by the participant. If the participant does not answer their first call, they will be tried two more times. If those calls go unanswered, additional calls will be made to notify an alternative person who is selected by the participant during program enrollment. This could be an adult child, a neighbor, or another loved one. The alternate will then be encouraged to check on the older adult program participant. The failure of the participant and alternate to answer may result in a Welfare Check by local law enforcement.
  14. CITY-OPERATED SENIOR CENTERS: discretionary activities are temporarily suspended for older adults, including all programming at the seven City-operated Senior Center buildings. The City Operated Senior Centers will remain staffed to assist older adults and continue to provide meals, supplies, and information and referral services to those who need it. Planned activities involving mass gatherings, trips and classes will be suspended.
    1. Beginning March 16, the Health Department will provided boxed lunches at senior centers. If there arefactors that prevent participants from picking up a meal, meals can be delivered as an option by calling the Maryland Access Point at 410-396-CARE (2273), for eligibility into the home-delivered meal program. More information available here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/280d500
  15. SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES:
    1. Maryland Department of Commerce: Commerce is offering three new business assistance programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
      1. Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund – This $75 million loan fund offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum. https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-loan-fund
      2. Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund – This $50 million grant program offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020. https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-grant-fund
      3. Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund – This $5 million incentive program helps Maryland manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) that is urgently needed by hospitals and health-care workers across the country. More information coming by Friday, March 27, 2020.
    2. Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC)
      1. BDC has developed a quick survey (5 minutes total) to help them focus their efforts on providing support during Coronavirus. Please take 5 minutes to fill out survey: bit.ly/33nZpOU
      2. BDC has published a website, Baltimore Together, which aggregates resources available to small businesses: https://www.baltimoretogether.com/
    3. State of Maryland – Business Express – extensive guidance and an FAQ: https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/coronavirus
    4. Downtown Partnership List: Downtown Partnership has put together the following list of resources for businesses. The complete list is available here: https://www.godowntownbaltimore.com/events/default.aspx?eid=B06DBD43-3E69-EA11-A2F1-000C2975210C
      1. Baltimore Micro Loan Fund Loans
      2. Facebook Small Business Grants
      3. Baltimore Business Lending Loan
      4. Entrepreneurs of Color Fun Loans ($5K-$250K)
      5. Harbor Bank Business Loan
      6. Kiva Baltimore Loan (up to $10K & expanded for Coronavirus)
      7. LEDC Loan
      8. MCE Micro and Business Loan
      9. Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program (up to $50k)
      10. Micro-enterprise Loan Program
      11. Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loan
      12. Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs
      13. The VOLT Fund Loans ($25K-$500K)
      14. Honeycomb Credit Small Business Relief Loan
      15. United Way Community Response and Recovery Fund
      16. Downtown Partnership TechConnect Grant
      17. Downtown Partnership Facade Improvement Grant
      18. Baltimore Development Corporation Facade Improvement Grant
    5. U.S. Small Business Administration – earlier on March 20, Mayor Young announced that the SBA has loans available: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/2822bde Businesses may apply online here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
    6. U.S. Department of Labor – guidelines on preparing workplaces for COVID-19: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
    7. U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – information for employers and employees: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
    8. U.S. Department of Labor – information on Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
    9. Small Business Administration – information on disaster assistance loans: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSBA/bulletins/280d49d
    10. SmallBusiness.com – https://smallbusiness.com/planning/disaster/covid-19-guidance-for-businesses-and-employers-from-the-center-for-disease-control-prevention-2020/
    11. Maryland Health Working Families Act – the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Labor and Industry enforces the Maryland Health Working Families Act, also known as safe and sick leave, which may be useful for employees who need to take off from work due to COVID-19. To learn more about the law, email ssl.assistance@maryland.gov or call 410-767-235.
    12. Temporary or Permanent Layoffs – if a business experiences a temporary or permanent layoff, the MD Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance’s Bulk Claim Services can open unemployment insurance claims for all affected employees. Businesses should contact a Claims Representative by emailing dluibulkclaims-dllr@maryland.gov or calling (410) 767-3252, or visiting: http://www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/unemployment.shtml
    13. Maryland Insurance Administration – has also put together an FAQ addressing insurance-related questions about coronavirus: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Pages/newscenter/NewsDetails.aspx?NR=202025
  16. UTILITIES – DPW WATER SERVICE – DISCONNECTIONS SUSPENDED: effective immediately, Baltimore City DPW will not turn off water service for failure to pay. This will stay in effect until at least the time when the Maryland State of Emergency is lifted. It was a regional decision made through Executive Orders signed by Mayor Jack Young and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr.: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/28117c1
  17. UTILITIES – BGE SERVICE – DISCONNECTIONS SUSPENDED:
    1. Customers whose service was disconnected prior to the March 13 moratorium on service disconnections should contact BGE to have service restored
    2. BGE is suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges at least until May 1. They will be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options. Customers who may be challenged in paying their bill should contact BGE Customer Care at 800-685-0123. We will work with customers to find appropriate payment options, like Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, or flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans. More info on BGE’s Coronavirus response may be viewed here: https://www.bge.com/SafetyCommunity/Safety/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
  18. UTILITIES – COMCAST / XFINITY SERVICE – DISCONNECTIONS SUSPENDED: the following policies will be put in place and will stay in effect for the next 60 days.
    1. No Disconnects or Late Fees: We will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact us and let us know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. Our care teams will be available tooffer flexible payment options and can help find other solutions.
    2. Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit: xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
    3. Internet Essentials Free to NewCustomers: It’s now easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign-up for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month.
  19. UTILITIES – VERIZON SERVICE – DISCONNECTIONS SUSPENDED: Verizon will waive late fees and keep residential and small business customers until at least May 12, 2020: https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-help-customers-and-small-businesses
  20. UTILITIES – VICINITY ENERGY (formerly VEOLIA): Vicinity is taking proactive actions in line with federal, state and local health organizations to protect employees, customers, and communities. We have a comprehensive plan in place to keep our operations running as usual and our commitment is to serve our districts without disruption as we respond to this pandemic. Vicinity’s sites will remain open and there will be no disruption in energy supply or service.
  21. JOINT INFORMATION CENTER (JIC): the JIC is a group of public information officers (PIOs) from each City agency. They are publishing updates to two documents on a daily basis. The first is a daily dashboard of the status of City services by agency, and the second is a daily briefing.
    1. City Services Dashboard:
    2. JIC Daily Briefing:
  22. HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BALTIMORE CITY (HABC): we are taking precautionary measures to address the Coronavirus and to prevent the spread of the viruses for all our residents and staff. We want our residents in the public housing communities to know that at this time we are open for business to address all emergencies in resident units, such as no heat, water, electricity, issues involving sewer and sanitation, or any issues relating to safety and security. All routine work orders will be processed on a priority basis. In addition, HABC will continue to make reasonable accommodation modifications in accordance with the Bailey Consent Decree requirements. The Section 8 and Public Housing Offices located at 1225 Pratt Street will be closed to the Public effective March 16 through March 27. All appointments, inspections and voucher briefings will be re-scheduled at a later date. More importantly, we are encouraging all residents and staff to follow the best practices provided by the CDC to maintain a sanitary environment and keep themselves safe and healthy. See more here: https://www.habc.org/habc-information/habc-responds-covid-19-updates/
    1. Notice about rent adjustments for loss of income due to the coronavirus – Letter to HABC Public Housing Residents: https://www.habc.org/media/2113/bn_final_interims-for-loss-of-income-due-to-coronavirus-for-residents-and-participants-clean-10-signed.pdf
    2. Notice about rent adjustments for loss of income due to the coronavirus – Letter to HABC Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Participants: https://www.habc.org/media/2114/signed-notice_interims-for-loss-of-income-due-to-coronavirus-hcvp-only_20200313-004-1-2.pdf
  23. BALTIMORE POLICE DEPARTMENT:
    1. Police Commissioner Michael Harrison released the following message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMD_B5i1Mec
    2. Restricted Public Access to BPD Facilities: the Baltimore Police Department remains fully staffed and available to respond to calls for service. For the safety of our residents and officers, we have temporarily restricted some public access at our police districts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For all emergencies, please continue to call 911. To file a police report online, visit https://www.baltimorepolice.org/file-police-report or call 1-844-354-2059. Please share the following: BPD – Restricted Public Access to BPD Facilities
  24. BALTIMORE CITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW): https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/2825d1c https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/2820d21
    1. Ensuring the Continued Delivery of Safe, Clean Drinking Water: The City’s rigorous water filtration and disinfection process and testing procedures ensure that drinking water is free of viruses, including COVID-19. This also applies to the wastewater systems operated by the City of Baltimore. “As the primary provider of drinking water in the Baltimore region, the City of Baltimore wants to ensure residents that we have emergency plans in place to continue to provide high-quality drinking water and to keep the City clean”.
    2. Water Billing: the City of Baltimore will only accept water bill and other payments online and by mail. The Water Billing Customer Call Center will be closed as will the Customer Walk-In Center located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building. DPW’s Customer Support and Services Walk-in Center, located on the first floor of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, is closed to the public at this time. Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young said. Mayor Young has reinforced that water service will not be shut off due to nonpayment, and that late fees will be waived while residents deal with the implications of the coronavirus. In addition, DPW continues to offer repayment plans for customers who fall behind in their water bills
    3. Solid Waste: All services other than curbside collections, condo collections, disposal services at the Quarantine Road Landfill and the Northwest Transfer Facility, operations at the Citizen Drop-Off Centers, and corner can collections will be suspended indefinitely. The collections and disposal of trash in corner cans as well as the Citizen Drop Off Centers will remain operational. The suspended services include street and alley cleaning, property management, maritime operations, and special services (graffiti removal, rat abatement, and bulk trash pickup). This action will ensure we have a reserve of staff knowledgeable and capable of performing the critical functions.
    4. Mechanical Street Sweeping: street sweeping operations have been suspended to accommodate the large number of residents required to telework. Parking violations will not be enforced.
    5. Roll-Off Dumpsters Suspended: as the City redirects its resources to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, DPW’s Bureau of Solid Waste will not be able to provide roll-off dumpsters for community-supported cleanup activities.
    6. Mayor’s Spring Cleanup Cancelled – Due to the COVID-19 Emergency Response and the need to follow best practices of social distancing, the Mayor’s Spring Cleanup has been cancelled.
    7. The Quarantine Road Landfill will no longer accept cash or credit card transactions.
    8. Only emergency water maintenance issues will be addressed.
    9. Construction, engineering, and maintenance projects not deemed essential will be suspended.
    10. All recreational activities at the Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy reservoirs will be suspended. This includes hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, and horseback riding.
    11. Prequalification for contractors/consultants will be automatically extended for three months.
    12. Minimal staffing will be managing utility maintenance and meter operations. Only emergency or essential functions will be handled.
    13. All staff capable of teleworking must telework.
  25. BALTIMORE CITY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BCDOT): 
    1. The enforcement of Residential Permit Parking, street cleaning parking, 48-hour parking, abandoned vehicles and peak hour parking violations will be suspended. Transportation Enforcement Officers will focus on citing immediate safety and pedestrian issues.
    2. Vehicle towing operations will be significantly reduced and will focus on immediate safety issues. The city’s impound facilities at Pulaski Highway and Fallsway remain closed to the public.
    3. DOT Maintenance crews and operations will be scaled back to focus on emergency and critical issues related to the repair of roadways, signs, lighting, etc.
    4. Traffic calming studies will be postponed.
    5. Federal contract work will continue to operate throughout the City of Baltimore. This includes bridge, buildings and reconstruction/streetscape projects.
    6. Paving and sidewalk work (except for federally funded projects) will be postponed.
    7. Conduit contractors will reduce their work forces and respond only to critical BGE related repairs.
    8. DOT’s Right-of-Way office remains closed to the public and permit requests should be submitted online.
    9. Parking meter payments/restrictions will not be enforced for this period.
    10. Right of Way Services Division: the Department of Transportation – Right of Way Services Division, located at 401 E. Fayette Street, will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16. Until further notice, no permit applications will not be accepted in person. This policy will be evaluated and updated on a weekly basis.
      1. Special Event permit applications for activities such as Block Parties, Special Events, Ceremonial Street Signs, Event Parking, Horizontal Banner and Street Vending Licenses & Permits can be found online by visiting here: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/special-events-permitting-street-vending-licenses — Applications and questions should be submitted to Specialevents@Baltimorecity.gov. Please visit our website or email for updates regarding the Special Events and Vendor Licensing Section. For additional information or to schedule appointments for Mobile Vending Licenses, call 410-396-1916.
      2. Temporary Use of Right of Way permit applications for street cuts, street, lane, sidewalk closures, driveway, curb, cuts, dumpsters, scaffolds, storage containers, etc. can be found by visiting here: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/right-way-permits — Applications and questions should be submitted to row.permit.documents@baltimorecity.gov or call 410-396-4508 for additional information.
      3. Minor Privilege permit information and applications can be found by visiting here: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/right-way-services/minor-privilege — Questions can be emailed to jennie.woolsey@baltimorecity.gov or by calling 410-396-3346.
      4. Information regarding property ownership, property research, mailing address changes, property consolidation, subdivision applications, deed cards, block plats and maps can be found by visiting here: https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/property-location-maps-records — Questions can be emailed to propertylocation@baltimorecity.gov or by calling 410-396-3800.
  26. BALTIMORE CITY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (DHCD): the Department of Housing & Community Development’s One-Stop Shop, located at 417 E. Fayette Street, will close to the public beginning Monday, March 16. No permit applications will not be accepted in person until further notice. The Department is also suspending all in-person services for permits and plan reviews (construction and building permits) and licensing and registration (property, contractors, and alarms). Visit dhcd.baltimorecity.gov and go to the “Permits and Inspections” link to process online, or call 443-984-1809 for Permits and Plans Review, and 410-396-3575 for Licensing and Registration. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/28150a8
  27. BALTIMORE CITY RECREATION AND PARKS (BCRP):
    1. Parks: BCRP has closed all high congestion, traffic, and use areas at parks such as courts (tennis, basketball, bocce), pavilions, and playgrounds effective immediately, until further notice.
    2. Dog Parks: remain open.
    3. Rec Centers: all Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) rec centers (including those attached to schools, i.e., Crispus Attucks, Ella Bailey, Mt Royal, and Robert C. Marshall) will cease operating programming for two weeks, beginning on Monday, March 16.
    4. Rec Centers Meal Program: 40 of the City’s 44 centers will instead serve as food distribution hubs, where school-age children can pick up a midday snack, and prepared dinners in the evening (this does not include special facilities such as Shake and Bake Family Fun Center and Upton Boxing Center). Beginning Monday, students will be able to pick up a snack beginning at 2pm and receive dinner starting at 5pm at any one of 40 recreation center sites and the dinner program will end at 7pm. A list of sites can be found here: https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/bcrp-alerts-0
    5. Senior Programs: All BCRP Senior programs are suspended until further notice. Food service will continue. For a list of locations or for more information, call the BCRP Senior Division: 410-396-2920.
    6. Permits: the Department of Recreation and Parks’ Permit Office, located at 3201 Boston Street, will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16. No permit applications will be accepted in person, until further notice. For event permits that take place in our parks, including Open to Public Events in Parks, General Park Use or Private Events, Athletic Permits and more, please visit here: https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/ or email Park.Permits@baltimorecity.gov or visit here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDBALT/bulletins/2814e55
  28. BALTIMORE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: the Baltimore City Health Department will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16.
    1. Permit applications will not be accepted in person, until further notice. All questions and concerns related to food permits, plan review services and hauler permits should be directed to our Environmental Inspection Services office at 410-396-4424.  Facilities may send their permit renewals through U.S. Postal Mail to 1001 E. Fayette St., Baltimore, MD to be processed. All licenses that expire March 5 and after are extended until 30 days after the end of the the State of Emergency that was declared by Governor Hogan. They will not incur late fees. All facilities that are currently undergoing Plan Review (change of ownership or new food facilities) should contact our office directly for assistance.
    2. All animal related complaints should continue to be reported to 311.  All questions and concerns related to an impounded animal and or permitting, please contact 410-396-4689.  Dog and cat licenses may be renewed online by visiting here: https://www.petdata.com/
  29. MAYOR’S OFFICE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE (MOCJ) Safe Streets:
    1. Sites / Offices: Site offices are closed to the public for the next two weeks (through 3/27). We will monitor the situation and reassess regularly. Staff have been instructed to regularly clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces in the sites.
    2. Staff:  Outreach staff (Violence Interrupters and Outreach Workers) are continuing to report to their supervisors and brief with the team in the site office. Canvassing will continue, with staff canvassing from their vehicles as much as possible. Staff have been instructed to avoid physical contact with each other and with participants. Staff will use the phone to communicate with each other as much as possible. Staff with a cough have been asked to not come into work and to seek medical attention immediately.Community Engagement: Outreach staff have been asked to maintain social distance, 6 ft away, from all individuals when possible. Staff will use the phone to communicate and follow up with participants as much as possible. Community events, including monthly community meetings and monthly youth council meetings are canceled for the next two weeks. We understand the need to provide food assistance to participants and community members. Delivering care packages and food to the homes of families in need and participants is allowed as long as staff do not come into unnecessary contact with community members. For example, staff should notify families and participants via phone that care packages will be dropped off, and leave items at the door/porch/steps to limit contact.
  30. MAYOR’S OFFICE OF EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT (MOED): MOED has suspended the operation of its adult and youth service locations due to COVID-19. This impacts a number of the services. Those seeking help with finding employment or other supports are encouraged to visit their Website at MOED.baltimorecity.gov for links to resources that are available at this time
  31. MAYOR’S OFFICE OF HOMELESS SERVICES (MOHS):  the City of Baltimore has activated sheltering in place for our homeless neighbors. City-funded homeless day centers will remain open. The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services, the Baltimore City Health Department and the Department of General Services are working to identify a site for community quarantining should our city require it.
    1. Street Outreach teams immediately pivoting from doing person-to-person engagement to becoming a tactical response team for MOHS. They will continue to provide assistance to encampments through the delivery of preventative care supplies (anti-bacterial soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer when available, etc.) water and food. In the past 48 hours, our teams have communicated to residents staying in encampments of our plans to continue to provide supplies during this event, so that they are aware of where the supply drop-off points will be. We want to be sure that residents understand that we will temporarily discontinue the practice of entering into the encampments until the health emergency improves.
    2. MOHS activated sheltering in place for family shelter clients on Thursday, 3/12/2020 once Governor Hogan announced the closing of Maryland schools to begin effective Monday, 3/16/2020. A natural reaction for parents hearing that schools would be closed for safety precaution is to keep children home effective immediately. Understanding that children would not be going to school, we ensured that parents could remain with them in the shelters. Family shelters will continue to shelter in place until the health emergency improves.
    3. MOHS activated shelter in place for all emergency shelters for single adults effective, 3/14/2020 in anticipation of the city’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 being imminent. While shelter clients are able to come and go as they wish, we needed them to have the option not to expose themselves to potential harm by being out in the community for the majority of their days. Emergency shelters for single adults will continue to shelter in place until the health emergency improves.
  32. BALTIMORE MUNICIPAL AND ZONING APPEALS (BMZA): BMZA has suspended all operations. No new appeals will be accepted and all hearings in April are hereby suspended until further notice. New appeals and rescheduled hearings will be scheduled and heard on an expedited basis when operations resume.
  33. BALTIMORE CITY BOARD OF LIQUOR LICENSE COMMISSIONERS (BLLC):
    1. Office is closed to the public, business can still be conducted via phone and email: BLLC – Press Release – March 23 2020 – Office Closing to General Public
    2. Suspending suspend the effect of all legal and procedural deadlines, due dates, time of defaults, time expiration, and periods of time as State law affecting the following alcoholic beverage licensing matters: BLLC – Press Release – Extension of Time Periods – 3-23-2020
      1. Alc. Bev. Art. 12-1705 (a) – 180-day time limitation to complete a transfer application
      2. Alc. Bev. Art. 12-1705 (b) – 90-day additional time extension to complete a transfer application
      3. Alc. Bev. Art. 12-2202 (a) – 180-day time expiration of license for non-operation
      4. Alc. Bev. Art. 12-2203 – Request to reopen after closure for three consecutive months
      5. Alc. Bev. Art. 4-406 (a) – Protests of Renewal
    3. Bars and Restaurants Closure: BLLC – Press Release – Bar and Restaurant Closings – 3-16-2020 – Final
    4. Cancellation of March 26 Liquor Board: BLLC – Press Release – March 26 Hearing Cancellation
    5. Guidance for Liquor License Establishments: BLLC – General Guidance Document – Carryout and Delivery
    6. On March 22, 2020, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City (BLLC) issued revised guidance to licensed establishments in Baltimore City concerning carry out and delivery procedures for alcoholic beverage service in light of Governor Lawrence J. Hogan’s Executive Order published on March 16, 2020. To see the revised guidance, please see here: BLLC – Revised General Guidance Document – Carryout and Delivery – 3-23-2020
  34. BALTIMORE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION: to comply with requirements to minimize gatherings of people, for the March 26 meeting, we are shifting this meeting to a remote video conference meeting.  We will continue to update you as needed. You may join by video system at: 715092576@bmore.webex.com   or   173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number. You may join by phone at: 1-408-418-9388   Access code: 715 092 576. If you are unable to participate, you may submit written testimony to eric.tiso@baltimorecity.gov by 10 am on March 26th.
  35. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD: hearings through end-March are cancelled.
  36. COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP (CAP) CENTERS: Baltimore City’s Community Action Partnership (CAP) Centers will close to the public beginning Monday, March 16. CAP Center staff will continue to report to the centers to field customer phone calls and process applications for energy assistance and the city’s BH2O water discount program.
    1. Energy Assistance: Community members may apply for energy assistance online or call 410-396-6406.
    2. BH2O: Community members may download the BH2O application: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d31ff0229f8cc0001b2959e/t/5db99f8bdc253e6bed8a5a21/1572446093523/BH2O_Assists_Long.pdf and mail in their applications.
  37. BARCS Animal Shelter: to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors while meeting the needs of the animals that depend on us, temporary modifications have been made to various department operations until further notice. Our shelter is now open to the public by appointment only for adoption and emergency intake by emailing info@barcs.org or calling 410-396-4695. Appointments are required for all visitors, including adoptions, surrenders, volunteers and fosters. Please continue reading for the specifics of each program.
    1. Guidance for Pet Owners and Pets: BARCS Animal Shelter has released the following guidance for pet owners and their pets: https://barcs.org/blog/covid-19-preparedness-checklist-pet-owners/#
    2. Adoptions: Adopters are asked to please fill out our adoption application prior to your appointment. The application can be found online: https://www.barcs.org/media/forms/Adoption_Application_2.pdf and emailed to info@barcs.org. If you are unable to complete the form online, please bring a printed copy with you. If neither of these options are available to you, please indicate this when scheduling your appointment.
    3. Surrenders / Help: those individuals and families in crisis who need resources to prevent surrender or who must relinquish their animal are asked to email resource@barcs.org or call 410-396-4695. For animals in immediate danger, please call 911. For non-emergency animal concerns, please contact Baltimore City Animal Services at 311.
    4. Community Cats / TNR: the BARCS Community Cat Program services have been suspended until further notice. Please email communitycats@barcs.org with questions and concerns, but note that due to limited volunteering, there will be a delay in response.
  38. ENOCH PRATT FREE LIBRARY: 22 locations will be closed to the public until March 30. The Pratt will continue to provide online resources to the public throughout this time. Telephone reference services will continue to be available Monday through Friday, from 9am – 5pm. All renewals are waived and card will remain active. If customers have library books , they do not need to return them until the Pratt returns to normal business hours.
  39. FAMILY LEAGUE OF BALTIMORE: the Family League has set up a page to house updates, general guidance documents, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the virus’s effects on their programs and services: https://www.familyleague.org/covid-19-response/
  40. VISIT BALTIMORE: the following hotel closures are in effect:
    1. Hyatt Regency Baltimore: effective March 20.
  41. BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL: the March 23rd City Council meeting has been cancelled and most Committee hearings have been cancelled as well. The current schedule may be viewed here: https://baltimore.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
  42. OFFICE OF THE LABOR COMMISSIONER: the following changes are being implemented immediately:
    1. There should be no unnecessary visits to the OLC.
    2. Grievance and termination hearings are postponed until further notice. The OLC and the Civil Service Commission are exploring videoconferencing platforms as alternative formats to conduct hearings. Once appropriate technology is in place, hearings will resume.
    3. To the extent possible, the OLC will conduct necessary meetings via conference calls. All other committee and group meetings will be rescheduled to a later date, to be determined.
    4. Should there be a need to provide the OLC with documents, they should be sent via email to the OLC mailbox, at OLC@baltimorecity.gov, or fax (410-396-1526). Likewise, questions should continue to be sent to the OLC mailbox.
    5. The OLC’s social media platforms will be periodically updated when important labor-related information is communicated by the City’s Public Information Officers.
    6. Timely messages will be recorded on the dedicated hotline for City employees, which is 410-361-9200.
  43. BALTIMORE CITY EMPLOYEES:
    1. Telework: effective Wednesday, March 18, all Baltimore City employees designated as “tele-work eligible” will be required to work from home or remote locations until further notice. Our HR professionals to work with managers to identify eligible employees and coordinate with the City’s technology office to ensure technology needs are met. More information for City employees is available in the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Emergency Response Plan: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/hr_baltimorecity_gov/attachments/DHR%20COVID%2019%20Response%20Final.pdf as well as the supplement to the to the plan which is available here: Emergency Response Plan Supplement
    2. Additional Guidance from DHR: Department of Human Resources – COVID-19 FAQ
  44. BALTIMORE CITY PAYMENTS: the City of Baltimore will only accept payments online and by mail.  The City will suspend late fees through at least May 1st.  Payment windows at the Abel Wolman Building (200 N Holliday St) will be closed until further notice.
  45. BALTIMORE CITY TAX SALE: on March 18, Mayor Jack Young announced that he’d instructed the Department of Finance to pause the annual tax sale process. The tax sale is used to collect delinquent real property taxes and other unpaid charges owed to the City, all of which are liens against the real property. It is a public, online auction of City lien interests on properties. The highest bidder in the auction pays the total amount of the property liens to the City and receives a tax sale certificate from the City which gives the bidder the right to obtain ownership of the property by filing a tax sale foreclosure lawsuit.
  46. BALTIMORE CITY ISSUED LICENSES AND PERMITS: All licenses that expire March 5, and after are extended until 30 days after the end of Maryland’s State of Emergency, in line with the Governor’s order for the state.
  47. MARYLAND STATE ISSUED LICENSES AND PERMITS: expiration of all State issued licenses and permits are suspended until 30 days after the MD State of Emergency has been lifted by the Governor.
  48. STATE AGENCIES – MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION: we are closing our offices effective close of business on Friday, March 20, 2020 until further notice. Even though we cannot assist you with your transaction in person, there are still many ways to take care of your MDOT MVA business using our eStore, 24-hour kiosk, or VEIP self-service kiosk. If you are eligible, many transactions including driver’s licenses, identification cards, vehicle registration renewals, change of address, insurance compliance payments and information on flag fees are all available online. Please be aware that due to staffing limitations, some services may take longer to process than usual.
  49. TAXES (LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL):
    1. Federal Income Taxes: IRS: new deadline for income taxes is July 15.
    2. State Income and Business Taxes Changes: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDCOMP/bulletins/281eb05
    3. Graphic from MD Comptroller Franchot on Changes to Deadlines: Tax Extensions Graphic 2020
  50. MARYLAND HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE: a new special enrollment period is now open to all Marylanders in need of health insurance during the State of Emergency for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Uninsured Marylanders may enroll through https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/, the state’s health insurance marketplace. More information is available here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDHC/bulletins/280fe8c?fbclid
  51. EVICTIONS: evictions in Baltimore City are halted while schools are closed after coordination between Mayor Jack Young, Baltimore City Sheriff John W. Anderson and District Administrative Judge Barbara B. Waxman.
  52. JURY TRIALS: all civil and criminal jury trials in the Circuit Courts throughout Maryland scheduled to begin on March 16, 2020, through April 3, 2020, shall be suspended on an emergency basis pending further Order of the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals; and in criminal matters with jury trials pending during the above time period, county administrative judges shall hold hearings as necessary to resolve Maryland Rule 4-271 issues in individual cases and to set a new trial date.
  53. GUIDANCE FOR COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS: the Baltimore City Health Department released the following guidance for community based organizations: COVID 19 CBO letter 031520
  54. GUIDANCE FOR FAITH BASED INSTITUTIONS: the Baltimore City Health Department released the following guidance for religious institutions: https://www.costelloforbaltimore.com/covid-bchd-faith-based-guidance/
  55. VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES:
    1. Guidance from Baltimore City Health Department: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/volunteering-those-affected-covid-19
    2. Maryland Unites: https://governor.maryland.gov/marylandunites/
    3. United Way of Central Maryland (211): the United Way is offering four opportunities to volunteer, through: child care, food delivery, student tutoring, and home projects. More info here: https://www.volunteermd.org/need/?s=1&need_init_id=2962
    4. Maryland Food Bank: The Maryland Food Bank is actively monitoring developments related to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). We are second responders and are committed to serving communities and individuals facing hunger during this tumultuous time. But we can’t do it without you! We need help making sure that all Marylanders continue to have access to nutritious food. Volunteers age 13 to 60 are welcome. Volunteers under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a chaperone. https://mdfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/
      1. Team Sizes Under 10 – All work will be performed in teams no more than 10.
      2. Social Distancing – Volunteers will be stationed at a minimum of six feet from one another.
      3. Hygiene – We are regularly cleaning all high contact surfaces (door handles, handrails, sinks, bathrooms, tables, etc); all volunteers are required to wash their hands when they arrive, as necessary throughout their shifts, and again before they leave; and we are providing and requiring gloves.
    5. Baltimore Office of Performance and Information: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/volunteering-those-affected-covid-19
  56. BALTIMORE CITY – MULTILINGUAL GUIDANCE: The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs (MIMA) has released guidance in Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic, and links to downloadable, shareable pdfs. A Russian translation will be available shortly. You can find these multilingual resources on MIMA’s website: mima.baltimorecity.gov/coronavirus
  57. PRIMARY ELECTIONS: Governor Hogan has declared the following:
    1. The Primary Elections have been moved to June 02, 2020.
    2. The 7th District Congressional General Election to fill the late-Congressman Elijah E. Cummings’ former seat will occur by mail.
    3. More guidance from the Maryland State Board of Elections is expected in the coming days.
  58. MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION: Sine Die, or the end of the annual Maryland General Assembly Session, was on March 18, 2020, which is moved up from April 6, 2020. This is the first time since the Civil War that there is a change to the General Assembly schedule. More information on this past session is available here: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite
  59. 11th DISTRICT COMMUNITY BENEFITS DISTRICTS: any modifications to normal operations will be posted on the websites of each of the respective community benefits districts.
    1. Downtown Partnership: https://www.godowntownbaltimore.com/
      1. In response to COVID-19, we are preparing as many of our staff members as possible to work remotely, and will begin altering deployments for our Operations Teams – which include Downtown Baltimore Guides, Clean Streets Ambassadors, Park Stewards, and our Homeless Outreach Team – to increase social distancing and follow federal guidelines when it comes to refuse handling and Coronavirus prevention. These changes are being made in consultation with our partners in the public and private sectors, including the Baltimore Police Department. Because of these changes, our deployment schedule and coverage will not be the same as normal, and we ask for your patience during these unusual circumstances.
      2. We are also postponing our large public events scheduled through the end of March. This includes the annual State of Downtown Breakfast that had been scheduled for March 26. A new date for the breakfast will be announced in the coming weeks.
      3. Downtown Baltimore residents, offices, restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions are adjusting to Coronavirus-related disruptions. We will continue to advocate for them, share information when helpful, and assist with economic recovery when the time comes.
      4. In the meantime, we can still be social. Stay in touch with us and we’ll get through this together:Facebook: DowntownBaltimore
        Twitter: @DowntownBalt 
        Instagram: @DowntownBaltimore
      5. DPOB has put together a list of resources for businesses and residents here: https://www.godowntownbaltimore.com/events/default.aspx?eid=B06DBD43-3E69-EA11-A2F1-000C2975210C
    2. Midtown Community Benefits District: http://midtownbaltimore.org/
      1. Based on the evolving situation and Governor Hogan’s mandates, Midtown Community Benefits District has altered its Level 1 service.  The service will now be provide every other day as of 3/19/2020, and be conducted by teams of two staff members and one manager.  Service will continue to focus on the 150+ trash cans in the district, and known or reported areas of concern.
      2. In order to limit staff members’ exposure, we will be reducing the daily team size, and therefore, service will be addressed differently.  Our team will be focused on emptying the 150+ public trash cans in the district, and will service the streets, gutters, sidewalks, and parks in the neighborhoods on a rotational basis.  We will closely monitor the district, and address any high traffic areas or emergency situations as best we can.  Bulk trash removal will not be available until further notice, and the community is encouraged to call 311 for that service.
      3. We ask that community members utilize service@midtowncommunity.org to alert us to any areas of high concern, and we will address them as we are able.  (Please note our Facebook page is not monitored for service requests.)  You may also call 410-528-1512, but please know we may not have continuous access to calls.
      4. We remain in constant communication with our city agency partners, and will continue to provide you with updates as they are available.
      5. We will make the most frequent updates to our Facebook page (@MidtownBaltimore) and send e-newsletters when major changes to service are made.  You should feel free to reach out to us at service@midtowncommunity.org if you have questions.
      6. Please know that it is our intention to be back up to full staff and full service as soon as it is safe for us to do so.  We are proud of the work we do in our communities, and nothing means more to us than making sure the district receives the attention it deserves.  Please be well, check on your neighbors, and be safe.
      7. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Midtown’s Spring Town Hall meeting will take place virtually on our Facebook page on Monday, March 23rd beginning at 6:30pm. There will be a brief presentation of the FY21 budget and initiatives. The budget is posted on our website at: https://midtownbaltimore.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59f01beb5eccba1fc105548f3&id=a4b72d0032&e=7448c4d9b3 so listeners can follow along during the meeting. If you have questions that you’d like addressed during the Live Stream, we ask you submit them to admin@midtowncommunity.org or leave a voicemail at (410) 528-1512 x210 no later than 2pm on Monday, March 23rd so they may be added to the agenda. Please note: you do not need to have a Facebook account to view the Live Stream. Simply click here: https://midtownbaltimore.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59f01beb5eccba1fc105548f3&id=205159a6c0&e=7448c4d9b3 on March 23rd to view it in your web browser or on your mobile device. If you cannot watch the live broadcast, the Town Hall will be recorded and remain available for future viewing on our Facebook Page under the video tab here: https://midtownbaltimore.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59f01beb5eccba1fc105548f3&id=c764f0e321&e=7448c4d9b3
    3. South Baltimore Gateway Partnership: https://sbgpartnership.org/
      1. Response to COVID-19: https://sbgpartnership.org/sbgp-response-to-covid-19/
      2. Below find a list of resources and information for those affected by the response to COVID-19: https://mailchi.mp/3c54b4cc7747/community-currents-a-quarterly-newsletter-from-sbgp-1517709?e=cafa8239e8
    4. Waterfront Partnership: https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/
      1. In response to State and Federal guidelines to help prevent the spread of the Coronaviru (COVID-19), we are temporarily stopping Waterfront Clean and Safe operations.  Our operations team has been working hard every day to ensure the Waterfront is cleaner, greener, and safer; we look forward to resuming operations as soon as possible. For updated information regarding Waterfront Partnership operational services, please visit : https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/critical-updates-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
  60. 11th DISTRICT UNIVERSITIES:
      1. Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA): https://www.mica.edu/campus-operating-status-updates/coronavirus/
      2. Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins: https://peabody.jhu.edu/event/peabody-events-canceled/
      3. University of Baltimore (UB): http://www.ubalt.edu/about-ub/offices-and-services/university-police/campus-safety/emergencies/emergency-preparedness/medical-emergencies/stay-healthy.cfm
      4. University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB): https://www.umaryland.edu/coronavirus/
  61. 11th DISTRICT HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS:
      1. Mercy Hospital: https://mdmercy.com/covid19
        1. New Acute Care Unit: In response to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s call on Monday, March 16 to increase hospital bed capacity statewide to address COVID-19, Mercy Medical Center was the first hospital in Maryland who sought and received an Emergency Certificate of Need approval from the Maryland Health Care Commission to construct a new 32-bed acute care unit on the 17th floor of The Mary Catherine Bunting Center. Project construction will begin immediately and is expected to be completed in 75 days. Mercy is committed to doing everything we can to serve our community and create additional capacity to provide critical health services during this crisis. This project is a major investment ($12.5 million) during a time of great uncertainty but it’s the right thing to do and will be essential in addressing the potential surge in patients in need of hospitalization in the future as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whiting-Turner Contracting Company will provide short-term financing to allow the project to move forward immediately. We have created the Rapid Response Fund: https://secure2.convio.net/mdmhs/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app201b?df_id=1501&mfc_pref=T&1501.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=86BB98BF7267007F994B623306515B52 to help support this project and the COVID-19 health crisis. If you are able, please consider supporting us through this difficult time.
      2. University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) Downtown & Midtown Campuses: https://www.umms.org/coronavirus
      3. Baltimore Veteran’s Administration (VA) Medical Center: https://www.maryland.va.gov/emergency/
      4. Total Health Care Division Health Center: https://totalhealthcare.org/contact/division-health-center/
      5. MedStar Health at Federal Hill: https://www.medstarhealth.org/federal-hill/
      6. Chase Brexton Health Care: https://www.chasebrexton.org/covid-19-services-and-hours-update

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