Beginning January 18, Maryland will enter Phase 1B of Maryland’s vaccine distribution program.
Cases in the County
Use Baltimore County's COVID-19 Response Hub to find statistics and geographical information about coronavirus cases within the County.
VIEW DATA
Vaccines
The County receives doses of both approved vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) directly from the state of Maryland. In alignment with the state's vaccination plan, the Baltimore County Department of Health is working to distribute the vaccine. Find information about the current status of vaccine allocation to priority groups in the County.
Submit a Vaccine Registration Request
Baltimore County residents who want to be vaccinated should complete the form. Completing the registration request form does not create an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination.
After completing the form, you will be contacted by County staff once you become eligible and when vaccines are available, with additional information about how to schedule your appointment.
If you are unable to complete the form, please ask a friend, neighbor or family member for assistance.
Please note: There is limited supply of vaccine nationwide. Please be patient as we work to provide everyone in our priority groups with an opportunity to make a vaccine appointment.
Healthcare Provider Registry
This Provider Registry facilitates efficient and effective communication between Baltimore County healthcare providers and the Baltimore County Department of Health. Please complete the registry form using Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported.
REGISTER YOUR PRACTICE
Reopening Status
Baltimore County is currently in a modified Stage Three of the state’s recovery plan.
Operations at Restaurants at 50 Percent: Under Maryland’s latest Executive Order, operations at restaurants must decrease from 75 to 50 percent capacity, with appropriate distancing, and following strict public health requirements consistent with the CDC, FDA, and the National Restaurant Association, effective Wednesday, November 11, at 5 p.m. Restaurants and bars must close by 10 p.m. each evening. View Governor Hogan’s Executive Order (PDF).
Social Gatherings Limited to 10 People Indoors, 25 People Outdoors: Under Baltimore County’s latest Executive Order, indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor social gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited, effective Sunday, November 15, at 5 p.m. Social gatherings include, but are not limited to, family gatherings, parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, conventions, fundraisers, and other gatherings not associated with operating or patronizing a business.
Social gatherings do not includes restaurants, businesses, private schools, child care, or other establishments where existing, specific state orders are already in place. View County Executive Olszewski’s Executive Order (PDF) and Interpretive Guidance (PDF).
Baltimore County officials will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and determine the appropriate course of action to keep Baltimore County residents safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Statewide reopening and recovery guidelines on the State's website and Governor Larry Hogan's website.
Face Covering Requirements
Baltimore County individuals ages 5 and up are required to wear face coverings in any indoor business, service, organization or establishment that serves the general public. This includes, but is not limited to, retail establishments, recreational establishments and fitness centers, houses of worship and other locations open to the public.
Under a Health Directive and Order (PDF) that takes effect Thursday, January 7, updated face covering requirements are in effect for food service establishments, fitness centers and recreational establishments. The order also specifies restrictions for hookah lounges and cigar lounges.
The Interpretive Guidance (PDF) provides clarification regarding social gatherings as applied to indoor and outdoor recreation, including high school, youth, amateur, and/or recreation sports.
Free Testing
Schedule an appointment for a free COVID-19 test at a location near you.
School-Aged Childcare Subsidy Program
The County is making a childcare subsidy available to low-income families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to help cover the cost of care for school-aged children who are participating in remote learning.
Does the childcare provider have to be in Baltimore County or any Maryland County?
Families receiving subsidies can use them at any licensed child care provider, regardless of jurisdiction.
How many weeks or months will the Subsidy cover?
Currently, there is funding to go through the end of the calendar year, which is when federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars must be spent. Extensions will depend on Congressional action related to CARES funding.
Is this in addition to the state subsidy for before and after care?
Yes, this is in addition to state subsidies for before and after care, since this is intended to support families to pay for daycare for school-age children who would normally be in school.
How and when do providers submit attendance sheets to be paid?
Providers will submit invoices monthly by the tenth of the month for the prior month. The invoice will have to include the total monthly charge, indicate each week in the month, and the days in each week that the child was in care.
Will this system be bombarded delaying payment like the state program for essential personnel did?
We understand there were frustrations with payments from the state’s program in the spring. This new County subsidy program is limited to prequalified individuals, and the County intends to remit payments on a timely basis.
When will providers receive payment?
Invoices should be submitted to the County by the tenth of the month for the prior month. Every effort will be made to pay invoices within 30 days of receipt.
How much notice will providers receive if money runs out?
The County Executive has dedicated up to $7 million for this program through the end of the calendar year, and the County will only provide subsidies to the number of children that this funding will cover. Additional information will be provided if additional funding is made available by the federal government.
What about students that have Child Care Scholarship (formerly Purchase of Care) vouchers but it doesn't cover the full cost of care for virtual learning? Will they get a discounted rate of assistance? If not who gets the extra money?
Yes, providers are expected to invoice the County for only the remaining amount not covered by the Child Care Scholarship voucher.
What happens if a family does not receive notice from the County, but believes they are eligible for the subsidy?
Families that are not currently enrolled in SNAP but believe they should be eligible should call 311 to be connected to the CASH Campaign of Maryland for a benefits eligibility screening or apply for SNAP directly online.
If a family believes they should have received a letter but has not, they can send an email to baltco.ccp@maryland.gov.
Are subsidies limited to families who qualify for SNAP?
Yes, in order to qualify for the subsidy, a family must qualify for SNAP.
Emergency Response Fund
The Baltimore County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund will support the County’s efforts to promote public health and support residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are able and want to help, contribute to the fund.
Hotline
The Baltimore County Department of Health has opened a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns regarding COVID-19. The number is 410-887-3816.
Food Access
County Executive Olszewski and Baltimore County government are working to protect the health, safety and well-being of residents. We will continue to work around the clock to identify additional resources to provide food security for families during this challenging time. Find food resources in Baltimore County.
- If you have questions or need assistance with food access, call 410-887-2594 or email food@baltimorecountymd.gov.
- If you are a senior, or contacting us on behalf of a senior, with food access needs, call 410-887-2594 or email aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov
Resource Guide
Find more information about resources in Baltimore County.
Status of County Operations
The County is taking a number of actions to keep residents safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19. Find status information for County operations and services below.
As of Monday, May 4, the Office of Administrative Hearings will begin to reschedule previously postponed Code Enforcement, Zoning and Development cases. New cases will be scheduled in the order in which they are received.
All hearings will be live-streamed using Cisco WebEx available as a free downloadable application on any computer or smartphone. Any interested individual who wishes to provide testimony can do so by dialing into the hearing on the date and time it is scheduled. Testimony and exhibits can also by submitted by email to administrativehearings@baltimorecountymd.gov or by mail. All testimony and exhibits must be received 48 business hours in advance of the hearing. All hearings will be recorded.
For more information or questions, call 410-887-3868 or email administrativehearings@baltimorecountymd.gov.
- Adoptions, redemptions and owner surrenders are by appointment only.
- All spay and neuter surgical services are being done by appointment only.
- Rabies clinics are suspended.
- TNR services are by appointment only.
- If you find a lost pet, please call 410-887-7297.
- Field Services officers are working remotely with limited public contact.
- Number of volunteers and volunteer hours are reduced.
For additional information regarding the status of shelter services, visit the Animal Services website.
The Department of Economic and Workforce Development has compiled resources for businesses and workers regarding available assistance at the federal, state and local levels.
Fast-Tracking Outdoor Table Service
Baltimore County is expediting approvals to temporarily allow establishments to expand outdoor table service into areas not previously authorized, in a manner that ensures the safety of their customers and staff. Find more information.
Fast-Tracking Alcohol Delivery Requests
Baltimore County is expediting approvals to temporarily allow establishments to deliver alcoholic beverages to residents in Baltimore County. Find more information from the Liquor Board.
The executive order issued by County Executive Olszewski cancels or postpones all non-essential meetings of public boards, commissions or committees, and prohibits members of the public from attending those meetings deemed essential.
Members of the public will be provided a way to participate in or observe all essential meetings. Guidance will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
Effective immediately, Baltimore County implemented additional public access restrictions at all Towson Complex County Office Buildings to further limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
While these buildings remain open for business Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., members of the general public will not be allowed beyond the lobby of each building. Directional signage will be posted at each building. Additional information on individual departments is available:
Office of Budget and Finance
Members of the public can drop off payments in designated lockboxes for the Office of Budget and Finance at the lobby of the Historic Courthouse (400 Washington Avenue, 21204) on both the North and South sides of the building.
To pay property taxes, visit the online Tax Search.
To pay a prior parking, red light or speed camera violation, visit the Citation Payments page.
For bill payment questions, call 410-887-2777 or email payments@baltimorecountymd.gov.
To electronically record a document, such as a deed, visit www.simplifile.com or call 800-460-5657 to set up an account. For questions regarding e-filing documents, call 410-887-2416.
Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections
Members of the public can drop off permit and plan submissions in the lobby of the County Office Building (111 West Chesapeake Avenue, 21204). Staff will contact applicants via telephone or email to process the submission.
Permit fees can now be paid online. An online link will be provided once fees are determined by a staff member.
Same-day permitting is suspended at this time.
Permit questions can be answered by calling 410-887-3900. For all other questions related to approvals or inspections, call 410-887-3353.
Department of Public Works and Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability
Members of the public can drop off submissions for the Department of Public Works and Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability in the lobby of the County Office Building (111 West Chesapeake Avenue, 21204).
Questions for Environmental Protection and Sustainability can be answered by calling 410-887-3733. Questions for Department of Public Works can be answered by calling 410-887-3300.
Department of Planning
Members of the public can drop off documents for Planning matters in a lockbox in the lobby of the Jefferson Building (105 West Chesapeake Avenue, 21204).
All Planning inquiries can be answered by calling 410-887-3211.
Court Operations
The Circuit Court for Baltimore County has been generally closed to the public, with limited exceptions, since March 17 due to the COVID-19 emergency. Although the Court has continued to process many matters remotely, in-person appearances have been very limited.
As the public health landscape changes in Maryland, the courts have implemented a graduated plan to resume normal court operations. Based upon the Administrative Order issued by Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera on May 22, Maryland Courts are entering Phase II of a five phased re-start program on Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m. View all Administrative Orders.
The Circuit Court has adopted a five-phase restart plan to address the case backlog as the court restores normal operations. The phases are structured based upon consideration of a variety of factors. The phases are designed to assist in scheduling matters, both remotely and within the courthouse, to enable social distancing, and to protect the health and welfare of judicial employees, attorneys, parties and members of the public. Find more information.
Entry to Court Buildings
As the court enters Phase II, the courthouse remains generally closed to the public, with limited exceptions. Courthouse entry is limited to employees, and to parties, counsel, witnesses, and credentialed members of the press appearing for a matter scheduled on the docket.
All persons who enter the building are subject to health screening questions and thermal temperature checks. Entry will be denied if a person exhibits signs or symptoms of illness or has been exposed to COVID-19 within the past seven days. All persons will be required to wear face masks when entering the courthouse. Social distancing measures will be enforced, and signage will be posted to note capacity limits in courtrooms and waiting areas.
Jury Duty
Jury trials remain suspended until October 5, 2020. Projected dates for movement between Phases will be reevaluated based upon public health data and advice.
Revised Criminal Case Postponement Policy
The Circuit Court has adopted a new written postponement policy to assist in rescheduling criminal matters when the Court resumes regular operation. A criminal postponement form has also been adopted to simplify the process.
- Policy Concerning Postponement Requests in Criminal Cases (PDF)
- Criminal Case Postponement Request Form (PDF)
Drop Box for Paper Filing
A drop box will be available at the entrance to the Circuit Court that is accessible from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to accept any paper filing that is not required to be made electronically through MDEC.
All legislative sessions, work sessions and required public hearings of the County Council are presently being held as scheduled. However, until further notice, these sessions will be held remotely via web conferencing. For more information, please visit the Council's virtual meetings page or call 410-887-3196.
Although the Council’s meetings are being held remotely, the public are encouraged to provide written testimony or comment via email at countycouncil@baltimorecountymd.gov or traditional mail.
All in-person meetings between Councilmembers and the public are cancelled for the time being. All meetings are being restricted to phone conferences rather than in-person.
For employee resources, visit the COVID-19 Baltimore County Employee Guide.
- All County government-related travel is suspended.
- New protocols have been implemented at our 911 call center to screen for COVID-19 risk in order to protect and prepare our first responders.
- Emergency procurements were issued for soap, hand sanitizer and other necessary cleaning materials, with a particular emphasis on jails, courts and other areas with large traffic flows and concentrations of vulnerable populations.
Essential Duty Pay Program
All first responders and essential public-facing employees are eligible for additional pay under the new essential pay program. For these employees, essential pay will be $200 per two-week pay period for the duration of the County Executive’s Declaration of Emergency, or up to five pay periods and $1,000.
First responders and essential public-facing employees will include, but are not limited to, police, fire, corrections, 911 center employees, and certain workers in Health and Human Services, Public Works, Aging, and Recreation and Parks.
Some other employees performing mission-critical functions who are unable to telework will be eligible for essential pay of $100 per pay-period for the duration of the County Executive’s Declaration of Emergency, or up to five pay periods and $500.
Board of Elections Office Building
The Board of Elections Office in Hunt Valley is closed to the public until further notice.
2020 Presidential General Election
Find information about the Presidential General Election on November 3, 2020.
Rental Assistance
Baltimore County is accepting applications for the second phase of its COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Program, providing rental assistance to County residents who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk of losing their housing. Find more information.
Check this site regularly for new initiatives including additional eviction prevention funding as it becomes available.
Temporary Halt on Residential Evictions
Governor Hogan’s April 3, 2020 Executive Order (PDF) states that for the duration of Maryland’s declared state of emergency, “No court shall give any judgment for possession or repossession, or warrant for restitution of possession or repossession of residential, commercial, or industrial real property, if the tenant can demonstrate to the court, through documentation or other objectively verifiable means, that the tenant suffered a Substantial Loss of Income.” The court has stated that if this language is raised, “this will be treated as an affirmative defense in both failure to pay rent cases and breach of lease actions until the governor’s State of Emergency is lifted, or the Executive Order is amended.”
To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order to temporarily halt residential evictions for failure to pay rent, subject to certain requirements, including the execution of a sworn declaration. The Order is effective from September 4, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
For information on housing cases and how they will be handled by the courts, please visit the Maryland Judiciary website. Guidance from the District Court on how eviction cases will be handled may be read online.
Utility Shutoffs Halted
County Executive Olszewski and Mayor Young announced that neither municipality (City or County) will turn off water service for failure to pay.
In addition, on August 31, 2020, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) took emergency action (PDF) prohibiting termination of PSC-regulated residential utility services (electric and gas), charging of late fees, and provided for a transition period that allows residential customers time to apply for assistance programs or make payment arrangements with their utility. Termination is prohibited through November 15, 2020. Utilities may not begin sending termination notices until October 1, 2020—45 days in advance of a termination.
Find information about food resources in Baltimore County, including:
- Food distribution sites map
- Baltimore County Public Schools grab-and-go meals for students
- Meal distribution for older adults
- Saturday food distribution
- Pet food assistance
If you have questions or need assistance with food access, email food@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
You may qualify for monthly benefits to help purchase food. Learn more and apply here.
Visit the BCPL website for information about available services.
Find information about curbside pickup for library materials.
County Executive Olszewski issued an executive order providing an extension of all County licenses, permits, registrations and other authorizations until 30 days following the end of the local state of emergency. The order also authorizes the head of each government agency to suspend the effect of any legal or procedural deadline, due date, time of default, time expiration, period of time or other statute, rule or regulation that it administers. This applies to suspensions concerning payments of late fees owed to Baltimore County.
Status of Departmental Services
Find the status of services and changes in process for the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections.
Liquor License Temporary Delivery Allowance
The Liquor Board is temporarily allowing Class A, B and D license holders to deliver alcoholic beverages to citizens in Baltimore County only. Be advised you must adhere to Rule 9—Delivery Outside of the Licensed Premises of the Board’s Rules and Regulations (PDF). If you desire to take advantage of this delivery privilege, you must send your request in writing to the Board for approval. You may send a formal request by email to liquorboard@baltimorecountymd.gov. Any establishment that has been penalized for service to minors in the past three years will not be considered.
For questions, contact the Liquor Board at 410-887-3191.
Pay Submission Fees Online
The County Office Building is closed to the public, with the exception of the lobby, until further notice. The Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) will continue to accept and process permits, reviews and licenses. Online payments and checks are now accepted forms of payment for designated services.
Once you have successfully submitted your application and received a reference number and fee amount from PAI, you can submit an online payment for the following transactions:
- Building Permits
- Electrical Permits
- Plumbing Permits
- Water Meter Permits
- Development Review
- Zoning Review
- Electrical License Renewal
Find more information about how to pay your submission fee online.
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS)
BCPS will operate through virtual learning from September 8, 2020 to January 29, 2021. Visit the BCPS website for details.
Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)
CCBC has implemented a phased plan for returning to campus. Visit the CCBC website.
To assist in keeping staff, volunteers, participants and residents safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Recreation and Parks will be following all State Executive Orders related to youth sports activities. All Department of Recreation and Parks buildings are closed to the public until further notice.
Open to the Public:
- Basketball courts
- Boating
- County parks
- Disc golf courses
- Dog parks
- Fields and diamonds
Note: Currently, the Department is not issuing any permits for organized programming. - Golf courses
- Horseshoe pits
- Open space
- Pavilions
Note: Currently, rental requests are not being accepted. Check back with local offices beginning May 3, 2021 for an updated status. - Pickleball courts
- Picnic areas
- Playgrounds
- Recreational fishing
- Skate parks
Note: In an effort to keep our members safe, we ask that skaters wear masks, practice social distancing, and that there are less than 10 skaters at a time in the park. - Tennis courts (outdoor only)
- Trails
Closed to the Public:
- Buildings
- Comfort stations
- Portable toilets
- Stages
- Water fountains
Out of an abundance of caution, activities at Baltimore County Senior Centers will be suspended immediately. Based on state guidance, all Baltimore County senior centers are closed to the public until further notice.
County officials encourage individuals to coordinate with senior center staff to ensure they are prepared for the closure, and we encourage those individuals to call the Maryland Access Point (MAP) hotline at 410-887-2594.
Virtual Senior Center Programs
Baltimore County senior centers are offering online classes for older adults over Zoom. Classes range from preexisting class options, including Tai Chi, Foreign Language, Strength Training and Cooking, to more individual programming, such as group Happy Hours. To find the full list of Senior Center Online Classes, please visit the Department of Aging's website.
Residential Drop-off Centers Open
The County’s Residential Drop-Off Centers are open to the public with normal operating hours (including the usual holiday schedule). Visitors and employees are required to wear masks onsite and adhere to all social distancing guidelines. These requirements will be strictly enforced. Driver's licenses will still be scanned to confirm residency. The following sites are open:
- Eastern Sanitary Landfill—6259 Days Cove Road, 21162
- Central Acceptance Facility—201 West Warren Road, 21030
- Western Acceptance Facility—3310 Transway Road, 21227
Yard Waste Collection Continues
Yard waste materials will be collected from Baltimore County residents with “Y” days on their schedule. These separate yard material collections will occur through as late as December 2020.
While residents may set out an unlimited number of bags of yard materials, the collector may not collect all of the bags on the same day. Collectors must make trash collection their first priority, and must take into account all of the residents on their route. Residents are asked to leave their yard materials out until collection occurs. Find information about collection requirements.
Trash Pickup Continues
During the current pandemic, the County’s trash and recycling pickup will continue to operate. Crews and truck drivers would appreciate residents carefully bagging trash and garbage to prevent the spread of disease. Find your collection schedule.
Other Resources
All County residents are encouraged to take the proper precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including regular hand-washing and social distancing as appropriate. All residents, and particularly those at high risk, should follow CDC guidance.
Baltimore County
- Guide for Baltimore County Employees
- Department of Health Updates
- Food Resources
- Business and Worker Assistance
- Crime Prevention and Health Safety
- Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS)
- Community Colleges of Baltimore County (CCBC)