The Covid-19 Pandemic

Baltimore Brew coverage of the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that has claimed more than 14,000 lives worldwide. Staff reports on the impact of the pandemic on Baltimore, as the number of confirmed cases in the city and state increases dramatically.

Scott to reopen City Hall two years after it was closed

In-person meetings of the City Council and Board of Estimates will resume next month, but virtual viewing options will remain.

Scott lifts indoor mask mandate; no word on when City Hall will reopen

Although the mask requirement is ending, Health Commissioner Dzirasa cautions, “I still encourage individuals to wear masks in crowded indoor spaces.”

Contending with absences and outbreaks, Baltimore resumes in-person learning

The city teachers union, thwarted in its call for a brief resumption of virtual learning, spearheads a community mask drive.

The mood on Baltimore’s long Covid testing lines: frustration and anger

“It’s ridiculous! People get paid a lot of money to anticipate this and prevent it from happening.”

As Covid rise continues, Dzirasa is pressed on disparities and data

Reviewing free clinics, home vaccine delivery and targeted outreach and messaging, Baltimore Health Commissioner says she is “very proud” of the city’s efforts.

Statewide eviction protection, a life-saving public health measure amid Covid, must continue, tenants say

Advocates and tenants call on Governor Hogan to extend the eviction moratorium that is due to expire after Sunday.

CASA to provide Covid-19 outreach and messaging to Latino community in Baltimore

Targeting a group disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, influencers will be paid to “demystify myths that prevent this community from seeking help early on.”

Salvaging food and saving lives

Many in Baltimore still struggle to get enough to eat as the pandemic enters its second year. J.C. Faulk’s weekly give-away program is there to help.

Emergent BioSolutions had safety citations prior to Baltimore facility vaccine mistakes

The FDA cited the company for poorly trained employees, cracked vials, mold and more, the Associated Press reports.

Rejecting Hogan’s “get in line” advice, Scott continues Baltimore’s Covid restrictions

The governor’s order lifted capacity limits in bars and restaurants, but stopped short of forcing local jurisdictions to do so.

Hogan lifts Covid restrictions, but will stricter Baltimore follow suit?

Citing “great” Covid metrics, the governor relaxes the rules ahead of St. Patrick’s Day and urges local jurisdictions to “get in line.”

Scott relaxes dining restrictions, noting the coronavirus caseload is dropping

City lifts the one-hour restriction on dining, limits indoor dining to 25% of capacity and outdoor dining to 50% of capacity.

On a sunny day, Schleifer questions Covid testing canceled for “inclement weather”

After 311 and the Baltimore Health Department sent them there, “car after car” pulls up to a Park Heights senior center only to find it closed.

Lobbied by restaurateurs, Scott reopens indoor and outdoor dining in Baltimore

Following a weekend conference call from restaurant owners, some “borderline in tears,” the mayor relaxes restrictions.

Citing “dramatic” learning losses, Santelises expands in-person learning

The failure rate for Baltimore students in every grade increased since schools went virtual, CEO says, moving toward a classroom return that teacher and some parent groups oppose.

Baltimore teachers and parents oppose more school reopenings

City Schools has “brushed aside” safety concerns, say union leaders and others planning a rally today outside of North Avenue headquarters.

Mayor Scott orders end of indoor and outdoor dining in Baltimore

Capacity restrictions lifted over the summer will return under today’s directive by the new mayor.

As Covid-19 trends worsen, Baltimore moves back to Phase I

Mayor Young limits gatherings to 10 people, reduces restaurant capacity to 25% and requires masks outdoors. His restrictions are tougher than those announced by Governor Hogan.

Indoor dining suspended in Baltimore as leaders push Hogan to do likewise statewide

Amid the drumbeat of sobering news about the pandemic, Mayor Young mandates masks outdoors and a halt to indoor dining at bars and restaurants.

Fall semester to begin online, not in-person, City Schools CEO announces

Students will not return to school for classes next month.

Teachers unions: “We prefer in-person teaching, but we prefer our lives over everything”

Unions demand an online-only first semester, saying Covid-19 data must trend more consistently downward and other safeguards must be in place before schools reopen.

“Cancel rent!” say drive-by protesters outside Mayor Young’s house

Baltimore residents need a break on rent, protection from eviction and more to survive “this amazing crisis we’re going through.”

Hogan’s failure to enact a travel quarantine is putting Maryland lives in jeopardy

Governors in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and elsewhere have placed quarantine advisories on travelers from states with high coronavirus rates. Why isn’t Hogan doing the same? [OP-ED]

East and West Baltimore, hit hard by the coronavirus, push for more testing

Health Commissioner announces new mobile testing sites as BUILD organizes to document neighborhoods in need.

For the homeless and those facing eviction, a dire deadline

Baltimore shelter conditions are unsafe, advocates warn, as hotel stays are about to end and evictions soon to resume.

Bracing for a wave of evictions, advocates say Hogan must do more

The coronavirus has “shone a spotlight on a deeply flawed, deeply racist housing system,” advocates say, warning of a crisis when courts resume hearing eviction cases July 25.

Latinx health crisis: 42% of sampled Johns Hopkins patients test positive for coronavirus

The rate of infection among Latinx patients is nearly five times that of White patients and more than twice that of Black patients, a Johns Hopkins study has found.

Hogan’s proposed rent assistance covers a fraction of tenants’ needs, lawmakers say

Low-income Baltimore residents, who have lost income because of Covid-19, can apply for temporary rent support starting tomorrow, July 1.

Trash pick-up resumes amid employee concerns about coronavirus infection

One employee says DPW first learned of positive tests in late April; another says the agency restricted written reports about those infected.

City to pay $38 million to suppliers of pandemic-related services

In its new role as a shelter and triage center, the Lord Baltimore Hotel has reaped more than $10 million.

Priest says Gov. Hogan still has not provided enough virus tests

Senate President Bill Ferguson visits Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Highlandtown, where the line for free tests again stretched down the block.

What you need to know as Baltimore moves to Phase 1 of coronavirus recovery

Covid-19 cases and deaths have trended down, but testing remains far below recommended levels for reopening.

A church short on Covid-19 tests is turning away hundreds – and demands that Hogan provide more tests

Pastor says members of his primarily Latino congregation are dying because they can’t get testing and medical care.

Hogan allows nonessential businesses to open Friday at 5 p.m.

With deaths and hospitalizations declining, the governor moves Maryland into Stage 2 of the pandemic recovery.

Outdoor dining to be permitted in Baltimore starting Friday

Diners should continue to wear face masks while at restaurants, removing them only for eating, Baltimore’s health commissioner says.

Comcast pressed to do more for student digital equity

“The reality is that we live in a city where the Internet has been redlined,” says Councilman Zeke Cohen.

Lawyers, citing Covid-19 cases at Central Booking, ask for 100 inmates to be released

A legal motion alleges there has been insufficient testing at the Baltimore facility, whose population has recently increased.

Hopkins agrees to relief payment for furloughed food service workers

A month ago workers held a protest. Now the University says 173 people will receive the equivalent of four weeks pay.

Baltimore’s mayor cancels all large public events through August 31

“Until we can see some type of downward turn, all that is canceled,” says Mayor Jack Young in a surprise announcement this morning. UPDATED.

Council approves bill requiring 25 miles of roads in Baltimore opened to pedestrians

DOT counters that dedicating street space to walkers and cyclists during the pandemic is too much “operational” work.

As Baltimore extends stay-at-home order, salon staff is feeling the strain

Mt. Washington’s Studio & Co. was poised to open – safely, its owner says – until the mayor declared the city was not ready.

Bill proposes to close some Baltimore roads during pandemic

Following the lead of other cities, Scott and Dorsey push to make more space for walking and cycling.

Four students who can only access the internet through one shared hotspot

Stuck at home, city students get a life lesson in Baltimore’s digital divide, one made even harder for English language learners.

The next battleground: Keeping the elderly in multi-generational households safe from Covid-19

Remember what happened in nursing homes when officials stepped in too late? Without swift action, the elderly living in extended families could become the next coronavirus victims.

Landlords and advocates debate ban on rent increases and late fees during pandemic

One witness says a Covid-19 emergency relief bill would hurt “mom-and-pop” landlords. Another praises the measure, but warns it won’t stop a looming “tsunami” of evictions.

What to do with SO much sour cream? A Baltimore pandemic story

When you put out a call for donated food, you never know what you’ll get. For the Italian Cultural Center of Maryland, it was 13 tons of sour cream.

More essential than ever, Johns Hopkins graduate students demand some basic rights

Teaching online and continuing our research, we’re working hard during the pandemic – and not getting enough back in return. [OP-ED]

One part of Baltimore watches the Blue Angels, as another is watched back by the police “spy plane”

Some citizens looked up at the military flyover, while a surveillance plane looked down on others.

Food service workers say Johns Hopkins is breaking a promise to help them

Laid off due to the pandemic, employees say they were promised four weeks of pay. Hopkins says it plans other ways to assist workers.

Still sky high, Maryland jobless claims drop from prior week

Hogan apologizes for a state website that continues to crash under the weight of online claims by the newly unemployed.

Director responds to protest over Project PLASE’s handling of the coronavirus

“All our efforts have been aggressive and effective in addressing the needs of the residents around Covid-19,” Mary Slicher said.

City Schools purchases 12,000 Chromebooks and 14,000 chargers

With almost half of Baltimore’s public school students without internet access, a push is on to bridge the “digital divide.”

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First comprehensive data on coronavirus cases and deaths in Maryland nursing homes

Fully half of Maryland’s total Covid-related deaths have occurred at nursing homes, according to data released tonight.

Hogan offers recovery plan, saying data show positive signs

The governor stresses the need to reopen Maryland gradually, so as not to give the coronavirus new life.

Maryland’s new online portal for jobless claims gets off to a wobbly start

The new website crashes within minutes this morning.

Hogan releases cautious recovery plan, offering guidance to other governors

He will announce his plan for Maryland later today.

A doubling of free meals promised for Baltimore, but not nearly enough for expected needs

The expanded program would translate into one meal every fifth day for residents in need of food assistance.

Resident who tested positive for coronavirus at FutureCare Lochearn dies

The Baltimore care facility, site of Maryland’s largest nursing home outbreak, has not publicly disclosed any fatalities due to the virus.

Protesters, rebelling against stay-at-home restrictions, descend on Annapolis

Hundreds flooded the capital today, calling on Governor Hogan to get people back to work – and into their boats?

In Baltimore: unemployed or “essential,” but either way afraid

Voices from Liberty Rec & Tech, where volunteers this week were giving out free lunch bags to help those hurt by the coronavirus.

Maryland officials order schools closed through May 15

The state will reassess, but reopening this semester seems unlikely, as the numbers of coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths continue to increase.

Despite spike in deaths, Hogan discusses plan to reopen state

Governor says the number of coronavirus cases is still increasing, but at a slower rate.

Baltimore’s mayor encourages, not demands, face coverings by citizens

A new policy that endorses the wearing of cloth masks in public.

“We walk in there every day thinking we have this virus”

Correctional officers and inmates fear for their lives inside Maryland’s jails and prisons. Advocates, now including Maryland’s chief judge, urge Hogan to act.

Yes, mandatory face coverings may be coming to Baltimore

Mayor Young is talking to other executives about ordering residents to wear facial coverings. The City Council last night demanded such action.

City Council calls on mayor to shelter Baltimore’s homeless in non-congregate housing

One way to pay for safe sheltering during the pandemic – using the $103 million allotted to Baltimore under the CARES Act.

Maryland could lose $2.8 billion from coronavirus lockdown

That loss, representing a worst-case scenario, is about 15% of Maryland’s budget, says Comptroller Peter Franchot. Governor Hogan institutes a hiring freeze.

In West Baltimore’s corner stores: no Purell at the door, but plenty of COVID-19 danger

At a time of crisis, city leaders are not effectively responding to the real-world needs of black neighborhoods. [OP-ED]

Coronavirus outbreak affects blacks in Maryland disproportionately, data show

Maryland is about 30% black, but blacks account for 37% of known COVID-19 cases and 40% of known deaths.

Jobless claims continue unprecedented climb in Baltimore region and the U.S.

“It’s the Great Depression II,” says an economist about unemployment totals arising from the coronavirus pandemic.

Jobless claims swamp Maryland, leaving applicants waiting and worrying

“There’s great frustration out there about the unemployment claims process right now and understandably so,” Governor Hogan’s spokesman said today.

Hogan orders Maryland Health Department to report race data for coronavirus cases

After two consecutive days of data show the virus spreading more slowly in Maryland, the question is asked: could social distancing be working?

Advocates call on Mayor Young to move all homeless from shelters

Moving some people to motels is a step in the right direction, but not enough to stem the spread of the virus among the vulnerable in Baltimore, critics say.

Schools CEO says grades may not count against students

Food distribution sites are now outside of school buildings to better comply with physical distancing guidelines.

City Council seeks data about coronavirus health disparities

Scott introduces bill requiring the health department to report the race and other details about coronavirus patients. The Young administration is called on to appeal ruling that invalidated city’s clean air law.

Urban foraging in Baltimore in the time of a pandemic

Flowers you can eat, fiddleheads you can fry, weeds you can sautee. The Urban Forager looks for what’s edible in your backyard and beyond.

Concern at a Baltimore courthouse after two sheriff’s deputies test positive

An attorney worries about safety in the building, but Major Sabrina Tapp-Harper says cleaning and quarantining procedures have been followed.

Public Defender petitions court for reduction in number of incarcerated youth

Release is the only effective means of protecting young people from contracting and transmitting coronavirus in juvenile detention centers, the office argues in a court filing.

Maryland casinos take a terrible tumble

Baltimore’s Horseshoe Casino posts the biggest decline – a 61% decrease in March revenue compared to the same month of last year.

Housing official blocks volunteers from distributing food to public housing residents

A grassroots activist says Baltimore City needs to improve its food distribution methods that, as currently operated, are overly bureaucratic and could help spread the virus.

Unemployment claims in Maryland skyrocket

More than 84,000 Marylanders, including 8,685 Baltimoreans, applied for benefits last week.

Advocates press Baltimore on water affordability during coronavirus crisis

A key deadline is coming up for water relief measures, but no word yet from the Department of Public Works on whether they will meet it.

Baltimore City revenues could drop by nearly $170 million

Revenue losses from the coronavirus outbreak have already thrown the city’s 2020 budget into the red.

As school moves online, teachers and parents press school board on tech access

While Baltimore scrambles to create a remote learning system from scratch, questions about equity and feelings of anxiety surface at last night’s school board meeting.

Hogan issues stay-at-home order commencing at 8 p.m. tonight

Maryland residents can still walk their dogs, order take-out and go to the pharmacy. The number of known coronavirus cases in the state grew to 1,413 Monday, including a severe outbreak at a Carroll County nursing home.

Resources available to Baltimore area residents: A checklist

If you’re sick, need food, own a small business or just need to catch up on the facts, start here. And please suggest any helpful resources we haven’t listed.

Another front in the war on COVID-19 – child care centers

A Baltimore day care center hopes to be allowed to re-open Monday and, fortified with disinfectant and strict rules, to do so safely.

Hogan extends Maryland public school closure to April 24

Otherwise, another day of officials preaching the importance of social distancing. Number of known COVID-19 cases in Maryland rises to 423.

Volunteers seek protective equipment for city’s frontline medical care providers

The volunteer efforts are inspiring but also appalling, says Del. Brooke Lierman. “The federal government is really letting us down.”

How the Planning Commission plans to meet in the age of coronavirus

Tomorrow’s virtual meeting raises many questions about how the commission will interact with the public and the press.

Virtual BOE meeting – with no public input opportunity – to consider spy plane agreement

Board President Brandon Scott, former Councilman Carl Stokes and the ACLU ask for a deferral of the controversial plan, which was put before the board by Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young.

A message from the experts: COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate

Public health specialists are scrambling to squelch misinformed views about the new coronavirus – including those expressed yesterday by President Trump.

Baltimore in lockdown: Many city services suspended

Residential trash and recycling pick-ups will continue, but other sanitation programs are suspended. Metered parking is no longer in effect.

Hogan orders “non-essential” businesses to shut down

Governor expands emergency grants and loans for small businesses as the number of known COVID-19 cases in Maryland grows to 288.

Mr. Mayor: Do more now to help vulnerable Baltimore residents during this COVID-19 crisis

AN OPEN LETTER calls on Jack Young and other leaders to provide emergency housing and food protection for those who are poor, homeless and struggling. [OP-ED]

In Baltimore, Maryland National Guard presence at first sparks jitters

Soldiers, evoking memories of the 2015 Uprising, were seen in the city as early as Monday. Mayor Young announced they are here to provide COVID-19 assistance.

City’s “pushback” hinders COVID-19 testing effort for Baltimore’s homeless, source says

Clients at Health Care for the Homeless who met screening criteria and had been scheduled for testing at Johns Hopkins never got there.

First reported COVID-19 death in Maryland

The number of reported cases in Baltimore grew from five to eight. Meanwhile, still little testing.

“There’ll be no savings at the end of this”

At a Baltimore school amid the coronavirus crisis, students wonder if they will be able to pass on to the next grade and out-of-work parents wonder how they will get by.

Hogan moves primary to June 2, keeps 7th District Congressional election April 28

Delay means candidates have more time to campaign but need to solicit more funds – from a hurting electorate.

City prepares for some employees to work from home

Employees under Joan Pratt say they could telework, but that the Comptroller has been defying a mayoral directive requiring eligible city workers to do so.

Second case of coronavirus in Baltimore confirmed

The case involves a woman in her 20s, Mayor Young says.

For Baltimore bars flouting anti-coronavirus advice: The party’s over

Hogan shuts down Maryland bars and restaurants amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Scenes from Baltimore over the weekend: Day drinking, a bar crawl and a mayoral candidate’s fundraiser.

It’s “cancel culture” as Baltimore faces up to the coronavirus

Schools and senior centers are closed and events called off as officials try to minimize the spread of the virus.