Dear Municipal Leader:
It has been months since Governor Hogan issued his State of Emergency declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In that time, we have fought together to flatten the curve twice, and I have been incredibly impressed with your strength and ability to adapt through it all. Regrettably, as winter encroaches, we are entering a third wave that will be more comparable to the April-June surge than the spike we experienced late summer.
Which is why it is increasingly important that you be aware and take advantage of coronavirus funds made available by the State. You were recently emailed details about how the Federal CARES Act funding must be expended or returned by the counties on December 30 and shared the Governor’s announcement of $250 million to launch a restaurant relief program, jumpstart the layoff aversion fund, and begin a third round of small business emergency relief. Make sure your municipal and business needs are being met!
In response to the troubling metrics, Governor Hogan also recently enacted new measures to combat the virus, including a new contact tracking app – MD COVID Alert. Other measures include bar and restaurant capacity restrictions, advisories on gathering sizes and travel, a renewed call to allow employees to telework, new guidance for nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and hospital preparations. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of local enforcement.
MML staff are also doubling our efforts to keep the MML Coronavirus Resource Page updated and relevant to the evolving challenges. We hope you check it often for “all things COVID-19” including applicable Federal and State of Maryland mandates, orders, recommendations and infographics. Be assured that MML team members are regularly monitoring various platforms and sharing to the MML Twitter and Facebook Page, which we encourage you to join, if you haven’t already.
MML remains committed to supporting your municipality in any way we can during this pandemic. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Please stay safe and well! We are “#MunicipalMarylandStrong”!
Sincerely,
Scott A. Hancock
Executive Director
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