COVID-19: GBC Coverage and Response

During this time of uncertainty, the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) will continue to advocate for the interests of business and civic communities, share relevant and timely information, and work to harness the collective power of the business community to assist with our economic recovery.

We’ve compiled a number of resources — including updates on COVID-19-related legislation and highlighted philanthropic giving by several GBC Member companies — here to keep you up-to-date on all of the GBC’s efforts.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to GBC President and CEO Don Fry at donaldf@gbc.org if you feel there is anything your company can do or if there’s any way the GBC can be of assistance or benefit to you and your company.

MD Governor Larry Hogan Announces Temporary State of Emergency

On January 4, 2022, Governor Larry Hogan announced that he would be instituting a temporary state of emergency over the next 30 days. The new executive initiatives include giving the state health secretary broader authority to assist hospitals with ballooning bed occupancy rates and staff shortages, mobilizes 1,000 members of the National Guard, and opens 20 new coronavirus testing sites near hospitals.

 

COVID-19 Test KitState to Issue COVID-19 Home Test Kits, Increase Surveillance

Governor Larry Hogan announced at a press conference on December 1 that the state will begin making rapid home test kits for COVID-19 available to state residents and that state health officials are stepping up surveillance to identify when the new variant of the virus, known as Omicron, enters Maryland.

 

MD Governor Larry Hogan Announces Expansion of COVID- 19 Vaccine Booster Eligibility COVID-19 Resources and Helpful Websites

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced the expansion of eligibility this morning following a decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for adults.

 

COVID resourcesCOVID-19 Resources and Helpful Websites

Here are some business-related resources as well as official informational websites to help keep the Greater Baltimore business community healthy and safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Find helpful resources and tips here.

Open signCOVID-19 Resources: Planning for a Safe Reopening

To assist you, the Greater Baltimore Committee has compiled resources that may be useful to you in planning for a safe reopening. This information is categorized for ease of reference here.

 

State House and Maryland flag Special Update on State and Federal Legislation Related to COVID-19

During this challenging time, the GBC stands ready to support your organization and to provide timely information that may be useful to you. The GBC will provide updates on COVID-19-related state and federal legislation and highlight the impacts on business. See the latest updates here.

 

Darryll J. Pines and Anthony JenkinsNews Coverage of GBC COVID-19 Events

The Greater Baltimore Committee continues to host timely and relevant Newsmaker Speaker Series, Zoom webinars and virtual meetings throughout the pandemic. See coverage from these events here.

 

PhilanthropyCoverage of GBC Member companies’ philanthropic responses to COVID-19

It’s no secret that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is affecting the bottom line for countless Greater Baltimore businesses. In times like these, we often look to members of the private sector, large and small, for guidance and support. The GBC is proud to recognize members who have pledged economic donations or relief to businesses or organizations who need it the most. See what GBC member companies are doing to support the community here.


Announced on June 15, 2020: Greater Baltimore Committee launches COVID-19 Business Recovery Advisory Council to help Baltimore Region’s Economic Recovery

The Greater Baltimore Committee has launched the COVID-19 Business Recovery Advisory Council to help ensure the economy of the Baltimore region and the state successfully recover from the pandemic. Mary Ann Scully, Chair and CEO of Howard Bank and Vice Chair of the GBC Board of Directors, will oversee the work of the council, which includes leading executives from the private sector in the Baltimore region.

Read more about the council here.

News stories and updates

Nov. 3, 2021 – Governor Hogan Announces COVID-19 Vaccines for 5-11 Year-Olds

Sept. 30, 2021 — Get A Boost: Governor Hogan Encourages Eligible Marylanders to Get A COVID-19 Booster Shot, Details Outreach Efforts

Sept. 13, 2021 — Mayor Reaffirms Commitment to Distribution of $641 Million ARPA Investment Through Lens of Equity

Sept. 9, 2021 — Olszewski Announces New Vaccination Policy for County Employees to Combat Spread of Delta Variant

Sept. 8, 2021 — Governor Hogan Announces Immediate Authorization of COVID-19 Booster Shots For Seniors In Congregate Care Facilities

Aug. 31, 2021 — Mayor Announces New Vaccination Policy for City Employees, Effective Oct. 18

Aug. 30, 2021 — Mayor Scott Announces Additional $2M in Support for Baltimore Nonprofits to Address Negative Financial Impacts of COVID-19

Aug. 25, 2021 — Olszewski Announces Over $2.4M in Grants to Local Community Organizations to Support Pandemic Recovery

Aug. 24, 2021 — Amid Delta Variant Spike, County Executive Olszewski Declares Local State of Emergency

Aug. 18, 2021 — Governor Hogan Announces Vaccine Mandates for Md. Nursing Home and Hospital Workers

Aug. 5, 2021 — Governor Hogan Announces New Vaccination Protocols for State Employees

Aug. 5, 2021 — Mayor Scott Reinstates Indoor Mask Requirement in Baltimore City

July 15, 2021 — Vaccine Milestone: Governor Hogan Announces Maryland Surpasses 7 Million Total Vaccinations

July 7, 2021 — Gov. Larry Hogan Announces VaxU Vaccination Incentive

June 15, 2021 — Governor Hogan Announces End of COVID-19 State of Emergency

June 3, 2021 —Governor Hogan Announces Phased Demobilization of Mass Vaccination Sites

May 17, 2021 — Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces 2nd round of nonprofit relief fund dollars to support Baltimore nonprofits impacted by COVID-19

May 14, 2021 — Governor Hogan Announces End of Statewide Mask Mandate

May 6, 2021 — Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces additional $2M funding for Baltimore City caterers, restaurants and taverns

March 31, 2021 — Governor Hogan, Senate President Ferguson & Speaker Jones announce bipartisan COVID-19 relief plan

March 16, 2021 — RELIEF Act of 2021 information

March 12, 2021 — Sen. Ben Cardin’s State and Local Guide to the American Rescue Plan

March 3, 2021 — Maryland Department of Commerce: RELIEF Act of 2021 updates

Feb. 23, 2021 — Governor Hogan Announces FEMA-Supported Mass Vaccination Site in Southern Maryland

Feb. 23, 2021 — Governor Hogan Announces $7M in Emergency Relief Awards for Main Street Communities

Feb. 12, 2021 — Governor Hogan Announces $60M Pandemic Relief Grant Program for Child Care Providers

Feb. 10, 2021 — Mayor Scott, Health Commissioner announce new partnership with higher education institutions to perform vaccine outreach

Feb. 3, 2021 — Mayor Brandon Scott announces 2nd round of grant funding for restaurants and taverns in Baltimore City

Jan. 25, 2021 — GBC Legislative Forum features discussions on COVID-19 vaccine rollout, state budget, racial equity and more

Jan. 11, 2021 — Governor Larry Hogan’s Jan. 11 COVID-19 Economic Relief Press Conference

Dec. 9, 2020 — What GBC members & business leaders can do in the fight against COVID-19

Nov. 12, 2020 — Harford County Executive Glassman Acts to Protect Public Safety in Response to COVID-19 Surge

Nov. 9, 2020 — Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announces new funds for schools, restaurants

Nov. 9, 2020 — Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announces $1M grant program for nonprofits

Aug. 13, 2020 — PCs for People seeks retired computer and equipment donations

See all GBC News


Press releases and media statements

Dec. 10, 2020: Statement of Donald C. Fry, President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee, on New State Measures to Assist Small Business Affected by Covid-19 Pandemic

Dec. 3, 2020: Congressional Letter of Support from the Business Community: COVID-19 Federal Relief

Aug. 6, 2020: Cultural Institutions Coalition Letter Sent to Congressional Leaders

July 31, 2020: Letter from Regional Business Organizations to Md., D.C. & Va. Congressional Delegations regarding COVID-19 Relief Legislation

July 30, 2020: Don Fry Commentary in The Daily Record: 5G technology is Maryland’s future

July 21, 2020: Letter to Senator Ben Cardin regarding Congressional action to address economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

April 27, 2020: Don Fry Commentary on WBAL NewsRadio: Coronavirus delayed Mayoral Race but doesn’t diminish its importance

March 30, 2020: Statement of Donald C. Fry, GBC President & CEO, regarding Gov. Hogan’s March 30 Stay-At-Home order

March 26, 2020: Statement of Donald C. Fry, President and CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee, regarding Maryland unemployment numbers

March 25, 2020: Donald C. Fry on economic impact of COVID-19 crisis on WBAL NewsRadio

March 23, 2020: Statement of Donald C. Fry, President and CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee, Regarding Gov. Hogan’s March 23 order closing all non-essential businesses

March 23, 2020: Letter from Md., D.C., Va. Business Community Urging Support for Stimulus

March 18, 2020: Donald C. Fry commends Maryland tax filing deadline extension for business tax payers

See all releases and statements