COVID-19 Update

16 Mar COVID-19 Update

Last week, the first case of the COVID-19 virus was reported as a result of community transmission in Maryland. This transmission indicates Maryland is entering a new phase requiring us to make a concerted effort to contain the virus’s spread.

Governor Hogan, health professionals, as well as House and Senate Leadership have been working closely together to prepare the State for the following preventative actions:

• Public schools will close for two weeks, beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. During this time school facilities and buses will be disinfected. School systems are recommended to use their previously scheduled spring break as make-up days for this closure.
  • The Maryland State Department of Education is currently developing childcare plans for the children of emergency services personnel.
  • Administrators, faculty, staff, and parents/guardians are recommended to take necessary preparations to carry out continuity of prolonged closures.
  • For up-to-date information from Montgomery County Public Schools, visit their website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org.
• Beginning Friday March 13, all non-essential state employees are required to telework.
• All events of more than 250 people in close proximity will be canceled. This includes social, community, spiritual/religious, and sport gatherings.
• The National Guard has been activated to carry out necessary functions such as food distribution.
  

Effective Immediately for the General Assembly

• The Maryland General Assembly will be focused on passing a balanced budget for 2021 to ensure the State of Maryland can continue to operate and necessary funds can be used to treat this public health crisis.
• We will continue to work closely with health professionals and the Governor to monitor this situation.
• The State House Trust voted to close the State House to public access. Only persons with a state issued badge may enter the building – this includes the cancellation of scheduled tours and outside visitors.

What can I do to protect myself and others?

• Take everyday preventive steps that are always recommended to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds and flu
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve or your elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• If you are sick, stay home, except when seeking medical care

Resources

The Maryland Department of Health is the best resource for receiving up-to-date information about COVID-19. Please take a few minutes to read over the Department of Health’s webpage and FAQ document about how to best prepare.

To view the Governor’s full press conference where these actions were announced, please click here.

Some grocery stores are offering special hours so that elderly persons and those with compromised immune systems may shop in a less crowded setting. To see a list of stores offering this service, click here.

The good news is that this is not permanent. The more proactive measures we take now, the better Maryland will fare over the weeks to come.

At this time, although I have instructed my staff to telework, we are working around the clock to help constituents who are need of assistance. I am still working in the State House to ensure that the duties that you entrusted me with, are being carried out.

If I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me:
Phone: (410) 841-3625, (301) 858-3625
E-mail: craig.zucker@senate.state.md.us
Fax: (410) 841-3618, (301) 858-3618

Sincerely,
Craig J. Zucker
Maryland State Senate
District 14