County to Distribute at-Home COVID Tests; Expand Test Sites


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced updates on Baltimore County’s ongoing efforts to expand access to COVID-19 testing, including plans for the distribution of 100,000 rapid at-home COVID tests for residents and the expansion of County-run testing sites.

“Expanding Baltimore County’s testing availability will help ensure residents can take every precaution to protect themselves and their loved ones amid the extremely contagious omicron variant,” Olszewski said. “I want to thank County Administrative Officer Stacy Rogers, Health Officer Dr. Gregory Branch, and the entire Department of Health and Human Services team for their dedicated efforts to secure and distribute these tests to community members.”

“Being fully vaccinated and having ample access to testing are vitally important tools in decreasing the spread of this virus,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. “Increasing testing options and availability will also help to lessen the burden on our hospitals and emergency rooms.”

Baltimore County Expanding COVID-19 Community Testing Clinic Locations and Hours

Beginning the week of January 10, Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services will expand the County’s COVID-19 public testing clinic capacity. Updated testing clinic locations and times include:

NEW SITE: Former Sears Automotive Center at White Marsh Mall (Lower Level) (8200 Perry Hall Blvd, White Marsh, 21236)
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Liberty Family Resource Center (3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, 21133)
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Drumcastle Government Center (6401 York Road, Towson, 21212)
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Dundalk Health Center (7700 Dunmanway, Dundalk, 21222)
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Baltimore County Moving to Appointment-based Testing

To improve the patient experience, Baltimore County will be moving to appointment only testing at County testing clinics beginning Monday, January 10. You must have an appointment to receive a COVID-19 test.

To schedule appointments for next week, please visit baltimorecountymd.gov/covidtest. Residents are asked to assist relatives, neighbors, and loved ones in scheduling online appointments if they do not have internet access.

For more information, residents can call the Baltimore County COVID-19 hotline at 410-887-3816.

Rapid At-Home COVID-19 Test Community Distribution

County officials today announced plans to equitably distribute 100,000 free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests directly to residents through a variety of community-based channels. Information on the County’s community test distribution schedule is below:

Date Time Location Type
Monday, 1/10/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Catonsville Senior Center, 501 Rolling Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228 Drive Thru
Tuesday, 1/11/22 1 p.m. until supplies last County Career Center – Eastpoint Mall, 7930 Eastern Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21224 Drive Thru
Wednesday, 1/12/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Fleming Senior Center, 641 Main St, Dundalk MD 21222 Walk Up
Wednesday, 1/12/22 9.a.m. until supplies last Baltimore County Career Center – Liberty3637 Offutt Road, Randallstown, Maryland 21133 Walk Up
Wednesday, 1/12/22 4 p.m. until supplies last Dundalk PAL Center, 15 Commerce Place, Dundalk, Maryland 21222 Drive Thru and Walk Up
Thursday, 1/13/22 9 a.m. until supplies last Jacksonville Senior Center, 3605 Sweet Air Rd, Phoenix, MD 21131 Drive Thru
Friday, 1/14/22 9 a.m. until supplies last Bykota Senior Center, 611 Central Avenue, Towson, MD 21204 Drive Thru
Friday, 1/14/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Pikesville Branch, 1301 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, MD 21208 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Arbutus Branch, 855 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus, MD 21227 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Catonsville Branch, 1100 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Cockeysville Branch, 9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, MD 21030 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Essex Branch, 1110 Eastern Boulevard Essex, MD 21221 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Hereford Branch, 16940 York Road Hereford, MD 21111 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Lansdowne Branch, 500 Third Avenue Lansdowne, MD 21227 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Loch Raven Branch, 1046 Taylor Avenue, Towson, MD 21286 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL North Point Branch,1716 Merritt Boulevard, Dundalk, MD 21222 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Owings Mills Branch,10302 Grand Central Avenue Owings Mills, MD 21117 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Parkville-Carney Branch, 9509 Harford Road, Parkville, MD 21234 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Perry Hall Branch, 9685 Honeygo Boulevard, Perry Hall, MD 21128 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Randallstown Branch, 8604 Liberty Road Randallstown, MD 21133 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Reisterstown Branch, 21 Cockeys Mill Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Rosedale Branch, 6105 Kenwood Avenue Rosedale, MD 21237 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Sollers Point Branch, 323 Sollers Point Road Dundalk, MD 21222 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Towson Branch, 320 York Road Towson, MD 21204 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL White Marsh Branch, 8133 Sandpiper Circle, Baltimore, MD 21236 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Woodlawn Branch, 1811 Woodlawn Drive Woodlawn, MD 21207 Walk Up
Sunday, 1/16/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Northwest Regional Park, 4515 Deer Park Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117 Drive Thru
Sunday, 1/16/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Eastern Regional Park, 11723 Eastern Ave, Middle River, MD 21220 Drive Thru

All residents are encouraged to continue taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, please visit baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine or by contacting your local urgent care, pharmacy, or your primary care provider.

Marks to Host Zoom Public Safety Town Hall


Baltimore County Councilman David Marks announced that his office will hold an online town hall meeting to discuss crime control and public safety.

He will be joined by the three police captains from the Fifth District and States Attorney Scott Shellenberger.

The town hall meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 18 at 7 p.m. Zoom information is below:

Topic: PUBLIC SAFETY TOWN HALL
Time: Jan 18, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87359682409

Meeting ID: 873 5968 2409
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,87359682409# US (Washington DC)
+19292056099,,87359682409# US (New York)

“Public safety is my top concern, and the major issue for most of the constituents I speak with,” Councilman Marks commented. “It’s why I have pushed for more police officers, expanded neighborhood watch programs, and not retreating on tough policies to punish criminals. I thank our police captains and States Attorney for participating in this important forum.”

Since there is a limit to the number of users, the session will be recorded for those who cannot participate.

More Snow Expected Overnight in Area


The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington is predicting another round of accumulating snow is expected across the region this evening into Friday morning, Jan. 7.

Multiple reports have the storming starting after 10 p.m. and finishing up around 6 a.m.

Two to three inches are predicted in eastern Baltimore County.

Freezing Rain Possible for Wednesday Morning


The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Light stated that freezing rain or freezing drizzle will be possible overnight into Wednesday morning which could lead to slippery travel conditions in the Baltimore Region and to the south of the region.

The potential exists for accumulating snow late Thursday into Friday.

Hazardous travel conditions may be likely.

Essex Shooting Reported on Jillway Court


Baltimore County police officers responded to the Unit block of Jillway Court in Essex for a reported shooting.

A preliminary investigation determined an armed person shot an adult male after he arrived home; the victim sustained a non-life threatening injury on Friday, Dec. 31 at approximately 10:20 p.m.

After the shooting, the armed suspect fled the scene.

Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are asking anyone with information about this shooting to contact them at 410-307-2020.

Baltimore County Schools to Close Again


Baltimore County Public Schools announced that it is closing schools today. This is a change after BCPS originally announced a two hour delay last night.

This is the second day that BCPS has closed schools this week.

The full statement about the closure is below:

Baltimore County Public Schools , including the Virtual Learning Program, will be closed on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, due to adverse road conditions.

All central offices will open on a two-hour delay. Central office employees have the option to telework. “Essential” employees will report on time for their assigned shift or may request to use leave time from the appropriate supervisor.

“Essential as Needed” employees will report to work as directed or may request to use leave time from the appropriate supervisor. All school and community activities in school buildings are canceled. All childcare programs are canceled.

BCPS Schools to Close Monday for Weather


Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that all schools will close on Monday, Jan. 3 for expected inclement weather.

BCPS announced late last week that it was going to remain with in-person school despite an increase in COVID-19 cases.

In-person school, the Virtual Learning Program, and offices will be closed on Monday.

“Essential” employees report on time for their assigned shift or may request from the appropriate supervisor to use leave time.

“Essential as Needed” employees will report to work as directed or may request to use leave time from the appropriate supervisor.

All school and community activities in school buildings are canceled. All childcare programs are also canceled.

Child Support in Baltimore County


One of the most monthly searched topics in Baltimore County is how do I file for child support or pay for child support

For whatever reason, it did not work out with the parent of your child and you need financial assistance or need to pay child support.

Here is step-by-step process on how to obtain child support in Baltimore County. If you have been ordered to pay child support, here are steps to begin that process

Filling Out Applications

Applications for Child Support services can be submit online via either the Department of
Human Services (DHS) Website or MyDHR portal
http://dhs.maryland.gov/child-support-services/apply-for-support-services/
https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home

A paper application can be downloaded from the DHS Website and mailed to your local child support office.

Checking the Status of My Application
To check on a status of an application go to, https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home

Obtain Information About My Case
To find out the latest information about a child support case, go to https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home. Customers can also call the
DHS Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-332-6347.

Making a Payment
Payments can be made at
https://md.smartchildsupport.com (processing fees for making online payment are waived until
September 30, 2021); by calling at 844-324-3855; or by mailing a check by order to:
Maryland Child Support Account
PO Box 17396
Baltimore, Maryland 21297

Payments can be made at local child support offices and courthouses. In
addition, KIOSKS located in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County.

Finding My Child Support Hearing Date
To find out the date for your hearing, please call the DHS Customer Service Call Center at 1- 800-332-6347 to contact your local office.

Requesting Genetic Testing
You have the option to request genetic testing. Please contact the DHS Customer Service. Please call the center at 1-800-332-6347 to contact your local office.

Determining the Amount of Child Support
The Child Support Administration (CSA) has an online calculator that will estimate the amount of child support that the court may approve under current guidelines. It is recommended to consult with a lawyer if there are any questions about your legal rights and obligations.

SOURCE:
https://www.courts.state.md.us/legalhelp/family/childsupport

https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-support-services/

BCPS Schools to Remain In-Person Next Week


Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that schools will reopen on Monday, Jan. 3 in-person at all BCPS Schools throughout Baltimore County.

With the increase in COVID cases, there was speculation that BCPS could go to an all virtual setting, but BCPS Superintendent Darryl L. Williams released an email on Thursday stating that schools will start Jan. 3 in-person. Williams also added that could change with COVID.

“With guidance from health experts and additional support from the county government, BCPS is moving forward with its plans to have students and staff return to schools and offices in-person on January 3, 2022. It is important to note that the Maryland State Department of Education also issued a statement clarifying that the expectation is that all school districts remain open for in-person learning and support for temporary transitions to virtual learning would be on a case-by-case basis.

“We know that for most students in-person learning is the best option to meet their academic and social-emotional needs. We also understand the pandemic is not over and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to keep our communities safe. In addition to the safety measures shared in the December 20, 2021, message, we are also taking the following steps effective January 3, 2022:

“Providing COVID-19 resources to students, staff and families to ensure shared understanding and promote safe learning environments. (See When to Stay Home and Recommended Isolation Calendar)

* Postponing all athletic contests and extracurricular activities until Jan. 10 to expand weekly screening testing access to all middle and high school unvaccinated students who choose to participate in after school activities.
* Obtaining KN95 masks to provide as an additional option for students and staff.
* Providing onsite PCR testing for schools experiencing persistent or school-wide COVID-19 outbreak.
* Obtaining Rapid Home Testing kits for students and staff for distribution in schools with persistent or school-wide outbreaks.
* Collaborating with the Baltimore County Department of Health to offer school-based COVID vaccine clinics.

” School nurses will also continue to conduct testing for students and staff who develop symptoms at school. We have worked with Baltimore County government to supplement our current PPE supply and procured an additional 126,000 KN95 masks and 126,000 Rapid Home Testing kits for BCPS students and staff.

Other Important Things to Note

* BCPS may move individual schools or groups of schools to virtual learning after reviewing a number of factors (e.g., percent of positive student and staff cases, number of staff and students in quarantine, and special program considerations) in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland State Department of Education, and/or the Baltimore County Health Department. These closures will be tracked on the BCPS Web site.

* Maryland’s guidelines for quarantine and isolation have not changed. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for a minimum of ten days. Should Maryland adopt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s shortened isolation and quarantine guidelines, BCPS will update its practices accordingly.

Here is What You Can Do to Help

* Please stay home if you are sick. This is critically important as many individuals with even the mildest of symptoms are testing positive for COVID-19.
* If your child tested positive for COVID-19 over the winter break and will be absent on January 3, 2022, please alert your child’s school homeroom teacher, nurse, or administrator as soon as possible.
* Get the COVID-19 vaccine. It is safe and available to everyone ages 5 and older.
* Get the booster shot. This additional shot provides an added level of protection and is available for everyone 16 and above.
* Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth whenever you are in a BCPS building or in public buildings in Baltimore County.

“The BCPS community is stronger when we work together. Your continued partnership and cooperation are critically important to keep our school communities healthy, safe and open for in-person learning. I want to wish all of Team BCPS a very happy and healthy new year in advance,” Williams said.