Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Here are some helpful links to keep you informed on the latest updates regarding COVID-19, best practices for virus prevention and treatment, and other sources of assistance that may be available to you.
If you need support, please contact our office:
katiefry.hester@senate.state.md.us
(410) 841-3671
(301) 858-3671
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control
Resources from the CDC on how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick, and more related to COVID-19:
English version
Español (Spanish version)
繁體中文 (Chinese version)
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese version)
한국어 (Korean version)
World Health Organization
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic
U.S. Federal Government
Senator Van Hollen’s Coronavirus Resource Page
Maryland State Government
Maryland Department of Health
Governor Hogan’s information about COVID-19
Howard Health Departments
Howard County Health Department – COVID-19
Howard County COVID-19 call center line: 410-313-6284
Available 8am-5pm, 7 days a week
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
This Johns Hopkins website provides the latest scientific information on coronavirus to help inform the public and policymakers.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
COVID-19 Testing
Frequently asked questions about COVID testing, including how to get tested (Maryland Department of Health)
Guidance from the Howard County Health Department on COVID Testing
Children and Child Care
Advice for parents, school staff, and others working with children (CDC)
Talking with children during outbreaks (SAMHSA)
Expanding child care access for critical workers (Governor Hogan)
School Lunches
Howard and Carroll County Public Schools are currently providing meal assistance for children under 18.
Health Care
If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the Health Department Coronavirus Information Line at 410-313-6284
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Mental health considerations from the World Health Organization
Seniors and High Risk Populations
COVID-10 guidance for older adult (CDC)
Maryland Department Of Aging information on COVID-19
A special message from Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Rona E. Kramer to older adults during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
MD senior call check service signup (for yourself or a loved one, run by the Maryland Department of Aging)
Pets
Keeping your pets safe during the outbreak (ASPCA)
Travel
Travel facts and health notices (CDC)
EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS
Unemployment Benefits
How to apply for unemployment benefits (Maryland Department of Labor)
Businesses
Frequently Asked Questions from Maryland businesses about COVID-19 (MD Department of Commerce)
If you have additional questions, not covered here, send a message to: Secretary.Commerce@maryland.gov
Apply for Maryland’s COVID-19 emergency relief fund programs for businesses
Loans and grants to small businesses and incentives to manufacture personal protective equipment from the Maryland Department of Commerce
Apply for an emergency loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the SBA, the loans will help alleviate financial strain and allow businesses to pay bills, payroll, and accounts payable, with long-term payments stretching up to 30 years. Small businesses and private non-profit organizations can apply directly to the SBA for financial assistance.
COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund – Workforce Development and Adult Learning
An award of up to $50,000 per applicant as a quick deployable benefit to minimize a businesses need to layoff employees.
Work Sharing Unemployment Insurance Program
A voluntary program that provides an alternative to layoffs for employers faced with a temporary, non-cyclical decline in business.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Resources for businesses in the battle against the coronvirus.
Howard County Economic Development Authority
Coordinates resources for the the Howard County business community facing COVID-19
OTHER INFORMATION
Utilities
Baltimore Gas and Electric
Washington Gas
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
Voting
Information from the Maryland State Board of Elections regarding upcoming elections and steps you can take ahead of election day to make sure you can participate in our Democratic process:
In Maryland, all registered voters are eligible to vote by mail (also known as absentee ballot) for any reason. Follow instructions to file your request online or via mail.
