Baltimore County Coronavirus Cases Spike, Restrictions Possible

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — As coronavirus spreads in Baltimore County and across the state, County Executive Johnny Olszewski says restrictions may be needed.

“I continue to believe that public efforts are most effective when enacted on a statewide basis," County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. said in a statement, "but if we continue to see increasing community spread of the virus, we must consider enacting new gathering restrictions in Baltimore County to combat this spike."

Olszewski gave his warning Monday as 22,668 cases of the virus were reported in Baltimore County. State health officials say 662 people in Baltimore County have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, as of Monday, Nov. 9.

“As the weather turns colder and people are spending more time indoors, it is critical for residents to recommit to social distancing and wearing masks — two simple actions that can significantly reduce the spread of the virus,” Olszewski said. “If we fail to take responsibility for our own actions, we are risking our own health and the health of our family, our neighbors, and everyone in our community.”

Olszewski's office released the following coronavirus data Monday around the spike in infections:

• The coronavirus case rate went up 90.7 percent in Baltimore County from Oct. 23 to Nov. 7.
• During that time, the positivity rate increased by 71.4 percent, to 4.8 percent.
• The number of patients hospitalized with the virus increased by 153 percent from Oct. 7 to Nov. 7.

To help schools and restaurants in their efforts to protect public health, Olszewski announced Monday he was making available funding to both.

BCPS Principals To Get $11.5M

To ensure school buildings are safe, Olszewski said he was committing $11.5 million so principals in Baltimore County Public Schools could obtain personal protective equipment and supplies.

“We all want our kids and educators back in the classroom,” Olszewski said. “While currently we’re seeing a concerning increase in cases nationwide, we are doing everything we can to make sure our school buildings are prepared for the eventual safe return to in-person instruction. These funds will support our school-level administrators as they work to identify and address their unique needs.”

Each principal would be eligible for up to $100 per student through the CARES Act. Olszewski said he would coordinate with administrators about the funds later in the week.

Restaurants To Be Served Up To $15K

Baltimore County will also distribute grants to restaurants in two phases.

Previous grant recipients of up to $15,000 in coronavirus relief will get another $15,000 to help restaurants keep their patrons safe. Establishments will be contacted directly by the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development in the coming days.

The second phase will make grants of up to $30,000 available for restaurants that have not yet received coronavirus grant funding from Baltimore County. The application process will open at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, on the Department of Economic and Workforce Development webpage.

See Also:

• MD Coronavirus Positivity Above 5%, Hospitalizations Top 700
• As Federal Coronavirus Aid Stalls, Hogan Helps Small Businesses
• MD Gives Details On $10M Grant Program For Schools Reopening