Baltimore County Requesting National Guard Assistance to Support COVID-19 Response

Press Release from Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Requesting National Guard Assistance to Support COVID-19 Response 

TOWSON, MD — Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today requested Maryland National Guard support in Baltimore County to provide humanitarian and emergency management assistance to County government as it continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve asked for the Guard’s help to support our County’s evolving response to this unprecedented pandemic,” Olszewski said. “These are neighbors from our communities who are here to support us all during this uncertain time. We’ll continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners across the state to provide assistance to our communities, reduce the spread of the virus, and save lives.”

Earlier this month, Governor Hogan mobilized the Maryland National Guard to respond to various missions statewide, including addressing local government needs.

The Maryland National Guard would support food distribution operations at school and recreational sites throughout Baltimore County and provide additional planning and logistical support to enhance the County’s emergency response.

National Guard forces would be staged at the Timonium Fairgrounds and then be deployed to locations across the County as needed.

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All Non-Essential Businesses Closing

Gov. Larry Hogan has announced an executive order this morning closing all non-essential businesses, but it will not restrict residents from leaving their homes. The order, which takes effect at 5 p.m. today, does not include essential or critical industries as defined by the federal government: health care, law enforcement, emergency workers, food, energy, water, transportation, public works, communications, government, critical manufacturing, financial services, chemicals and defense.

Please visit this link for assistance with questions related to the governor's most recent executive order.

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Information for Small Business Owners and Other Workers

Per The Baltimore Sun's coverage of the governor's news conference this morning: "Hogan announced $175 million in a business relief program through the state departments of commerce and labor. Small businesses will have access to $7 million to retain employees and another $75 million will go to small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 50 employees to pay their employees, suppliers and their rent. Additionally, the governor said $50 million will go toward grants of up to $10,000 each for businesses that have lost revenue and $5 million will go to provide incentives for businesses to manufacture face masks and other medical supplies.

"The governor has also signed an executive order to prevent the price gouging of essential household items.

"Hogan said this action builds on other measures. On Thursday, for instance, he signed emergency legislation to provide relief to workers to collect unemployment benefits if their business has been closed due to the virus or if they or a family member has been quarantined."

*** Additionally, the governor's office is expected to send a news release later today with more information about how businesses can apply and access this relief program. My office will make sure to send that information as soon as it is available. ***