Politicians Call for More Changes to Already-Reduced Beltway Widening Plans
While several local and state officials praised the state’s decision to not widen the Beltway at the 270-495 spur through Chevy Chase and Silver Spring, they also called for more changes to the state’s latest proposal to reduce traffic congestion along the Beltway.
County Executive Marc Elrich applauded the decision not to widen 495 east of Old Georgetown Road, noting it officially ends fears by the residents and businesses that could have been displaced or negatively impacted by the project.
Under the most recent plans, a new American Legion Bridge and two high occupancy toll lanes in each direction from the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia to east Maryland 187 on 495 would be built, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation. On 270, from 495 north of 370 and on the one 270 eastern spur from 187 to 270, there will be one high occupancy toll lane added in each direction.
Once the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is ready to be used in kids 12-15, Montgomery County, Maryland, officials say there will be specific guidelines for children and their guardians to follow.
County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles said in a virtual news briefing Wednesday that guardians will not be required to accompany their 12 to 15-year-olds to their vaccination appointments once the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues guidance for how to use the vaccine in that age group. He said kids can access any vaccination location to receive a shot as long as it offers the Pfizer vaccine.
However, Gayles said guardians will be required to fill out consent forms beforehand through PrepMod, and children must bring a form of ID to prove their age. Some valid forms of ID include a birth certificate, passport or school ID.
Elrich: Eviction Protection Remains in Place
Last week a federal judge ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Protection overstepped its legal authority when it issued a nationwide moratorium on evictions and vacated the CDC order. In Maryland, Governor Hogan’s Executive Order to protect tenants from eviction remains in place. County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized that tenants still have protection from eviction, according to a statement from his office.
“Last week’s ruling by a federal judge vacating the CDC’s temporary halt to evictions is extremely concerning and could be confusing to our renters,” Elrich said in the statement. “We need all Montgomery County residents to be fully aware that Maryland’s Executive Order from Governor Hogan is still in effect and helps protect renters. If you are in the process of being evicted, please reach out to us, know your rights, and apply for rental relief resources if applicable. Furthermore, this federal ruling is a
What to know about COVID-19 vaccinations in Montgomery County
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May 7, 2021 | 9:34 am
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A Montgomery County vaccinator prepares a COVID-19 vaccine syringe at the county clinic on Montgomery College s Germantown campus on March 31, 2021.
File photo
As more Montgomery County residents are vaccinated, the pace of new people seeking a vaccine is starting to slow, officials said at a media briefing on Wednesday.
Dr. Travis Gayles, the county’s health officer, said the eligible younger age groups of residents have had slower progress in vaccinations.
In particular, vaccinations have tapered off in residents in their early 20s to late 30s.
Montgomery County will soon be home to a new center aimed at preparing for the next pandemic.
Connected DMV, a regional nonprofit that focuses on solving complex problems, is launching the Pandemic Prevention and Biodefense Center. The center brings together scientists, academics, and policymakers to prepare for a public health crisis and avoid another global pandemic and accelerate economic development for pandemic prevention solutions.
The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday approved a $500,000 appropriation to support a $2.5 million strategy phase for a new global Pandemic Prevention.
Stu Solomon, president and CEO of Connected DMV, said at a Montgomery County media briefing on Wednesday that the project has been in the works since last fall and the organization hopes to launch in August. A site selection committee will soon begin the process of identifying a location in Montgomery County for the center over the next months.