February 19, 2021

BALTIMORE CITY COUNT:

39,682 cumulative cases, 779 total deaths 

as of 2/19/2021 via coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/

COMMUNITY TOOLKIT

  1. COVID-19 Online Dashboard – Access information about the number of COVID-19 cases with breakdowns by race, zip code, age, gender. coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/
  2. COVID-19 Vaccine – For reference, updates, and information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/covax.
  3. BMORE ALERT – Register for BMORE ALERT system by texting bmorealert to 99411 or via emergency.baltimorecity.gov/bmore-alert
  4. Multilingual Resources – Information in other languages related to the City’s COVID-19 response: mima.baltimorecity.gov/coronavirus

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

Based on Public Health Data, Mayor Scott Eases COVID-19 Restrictions

Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa announced that Baltimore City will modify its COVID-19 mandates in accordance with sustained improvements in key public health indicators and in consultation with hospital partners. Restriction modifications will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, February 22, 2021.

The following changes will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, February 22, 2021:

  • Gatherings: All must comply with any relevant occupancy based upon the space in which they are located.
  • Food Service Establishments, Bars, and Breweries: One-hour max time limit is removed. Restaurants must continue to maintain a sign-in/sign-out sheet for both patrons and staff.
  • Fitness: Gym classes are permitted at 25% occupancy or 10 people, whichever is higher.
  • Live Performances: Live performances are permitted as long as performers wear masks and adhere to social distancing. Note: Adult Entertainment remains prohibited at this time.
  • Organized Sports: Organized amateur sports events, including high school, youth, and/or recreational games, clinics, skills sessions, scrimmages and practices, are permitted in accordance with the dates and guidance from Rec and Parks.
    • Tournaments and organized amateur sports events with teams from outside the State of Maryland are prohibited.
    • Face coverings should be worn by all participants engaged in the field of play and everyone present.
    • Indoor amateur sports events are limited to 25% occupancy, provided there are no more than 50 people per activity area.
  • “Maximum Occupancy” means:
    • 25% of the maximum occupancy load of the Facility under the applicable fire code as set forth on a certificate issued for the Facility by a local fire code official.
    • If no such certificate has been issued for the Facility by the local fire code official, the maximum occupancy of the Facility pursuant to applicable laws, regulations, and permits.

Baltimore Receives $8 Million in State Grant Funds for Economic Assistance for Hotels 

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced that the State of Maryland has released $8 million in grant funds to provide economic assistance to Baltimore City hotels impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit Baltimore began accepting applications on Thursday, February 18. In order to qualify for grant funding, hotels must have been open and operational prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and must have contributed sales tax revenue. Hotels interested in applying for grant funds should fill out an application at baltimore.org/hotel-grants/.

This direct relief can be used for payroll expenses, rent and utilities. Per state guidelines, the distribution of funds must be complete by March 31, 2021 and hotels receiving the funds must have their doors open by May 1, 2021.  

In 2019, spending by travelers totaled $6 billion in direct spending throughout the city, supporting 86,827 total jobs and generating $750 million in state and city tax revenues.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Baltimore City COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard

bit.ly/covaxboard 

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Please see attached COVID-19 briefing from the Baltimore City Joint Information Center. Included in today’s briefing:

  • Updated Executive Order detailing easing of COVID-19 restrictions
  • State grant funds for economic assistance for hotels

As a reminder, you can access the COVID-19 online dashboard for up to date information and data for Baltimore City here: www.coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov. For reference, updates, and information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/covax.

Want to sign up to receive these briefs directly to your email? Email alexandra.smith@baltimorecity.gov