On Thursday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, and MCPS Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith provided an update on the local impact of the coronavirus [COVID-19].
Local officials gave an update to recent events after Maryland Governor Hogan’s announcement earlier in the day.
County Executive Marc Elrich says that, effective immediately, the county will be following the state’s guidelines. All recreation centers and libraries will also be closed starting Monday March 16. This applies to county facilities, and park and planning facilities.
Starting March 16, the county will move to a telework schedule for all employees who can.
County Health Officer, Dr. Travis Gayles explained that community spread in other Maryland jurisdictions means dynamics of the virus have changed and proactive measures need to be taken. Although social distancing is being encouraged, officials say people should continue to live their daily lives. If you are feeling sick, you are advised stay home and call your medical professional.
Local health officials say the risk to overall population is still low, and actions that are being put into place are to make sure things stay safe.
You can watch the entire press conference below:
All MCPS schools will be closed starting March 16 until March 27. Please read this important community message, which will be available in multiple languages shortly: https://t.co/ph2VEiyP56
— MCPS (@MCPS) March 12, 2020
Gayles says social distancing "means being thoughtful and careful" in terms of interactions with others. He said we can continue to live our daily lives, but be more thoughtful and careful.
Gayles urges people who feel sick to stay home.
— Deirdre Byrne (@DeirdreByrne_) March 12, 2020
Elrich says the county is struggling to get test kits and says "it would be nice" if the president was taking the coronavirus seriously.
"We can't test people who we need to test," said @Marc_Elrich.
— Deirdre Byrne (@DeirdreByrne_) March 12, 2020
This problem continues to evolve and will escalate rapidly and dramatically. For Marylanders, the actions I have announced today will be disruptive to your everyday lives. They may seem extreme, but they could be the difference in saving lives and keeping people safe.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 12, 2020
Today I announced a series of major actions to protect public health and safety and limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. A comprehensive list can be found here: https://t.co/PTVGV8JqAq
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 12, 2020
Effective immediately, gatherings of more than 250 people, including social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings, are prohibited at all locations and venues. All senior citizen activities centers will close beginning March 13.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 12, 2020
Here is the full release the State Superintendent will put out shortly. pic.twitter.com/HYU9lPKVyq
— Michael Ricci (@riccimike) March 12, 2020
