City Manager Statement on Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Dear Takoma Park residents,

My staff and I are keeping on top of the changing information about the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and preparing for actions that may need to be taken. This week senior police staff, emergency management staff and I have each been on regional official conference calls to share information, determine ways to work collaboratively and identify issues that need to be resolved.

The CDC still considers the risk to the general U.S. population to be low, but certainly, the regional situation can change. The most important thing to do is to practice the good hygiene steps that are listed everywhere, refer to trusted sources such as the CDC and Montgomery County Health Department websites for information, and continue to be vigilant but not panicked.

As City staff we are looking to ensure that our public facilities are kept clean, we are postponing some activities (such as CPR training) that can easily be postponed, and we are looking at alternate ways of conducting meetings if needed. We are making sure that our crossing guards, Recreation Department staff and others teach children non-touching ways of showing appreciation (such as air high-fives) and we are being particularly mindful of the needs of our seniors. I know it’s hard for all of us to not shake hands or give a friendly hug, but we are modeling new ways to be friendly and supportive.

The changing information can be scary. The expectation is that the number of infections will rise before they begin to go down, but we don’t know when or where or how that will happen. All I can say is that we are on it, we care, and we will work hard to do the best possible job to serve the public through these difficult times.

Please let me know if there is something you feel needs to be addressed either in the City government or in your neighborhood. We don’t want rumors spread but we also are not in every location all the time. If an issue arises, please let us know so that we can be informed or provide accurate information. We are all in this together as a strong Takoma Park community.