Three will target eligible businesses in specific industries.
Frederick, MD (KB) At a public information briefing on Thursday, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said the county now has a good supply of vaccines and many locations to deliver them.
“A third of our population in total has been vaccinated fully, and about 42% of all adults, age 18 and over, have been fully vaccinated,” said Gardner.
The County Executive said getting vaccinated comes very close to eliminating the risk of serious illness and being hospitalized because of COVID-19. She said a study this week showed vaccines are 94% effective for fully vaccinated people, and 64% effective for partially vaccinated people.
Gardner also discussed the ease of getting vaccinated. “The vaccines are free, and most people can be in and out in just a half an hour,” she said. “Vaccines are how we will beat the virus, and we need to get a higher percentage of people vaccinated to really tamp down the virus to end it.”
Gardner said even the younger population is being affected by the virus. She encouraged residents in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s to go out and get vaccinated.
She said those who wish to get vaccinated should to sign up for an appointment or use the walk in appointments offered this Friday and Saturday at the Oak Street location.
Visit this website to schedule a vaccine appointment: FrederickCountyMD.gov/CovidVaccine
Also on Thursday, the County Executive announced four new business grant opportunities. Three will target eligible business in specific industries and are funded through the State’s Relief Act.
“Targeted grants include $21,000 for agricultural businesses that provide farm-to-consumer goods, there’s $400,000 for hospitality and bed & breakfast providers, and $877,000 for restaurants and other food service establishments,” she said.
Gardner said the fourth grant is funded by the county and totals $3 million dollars for small businesses.
“Many of our small, downtown, main street retailers would qualify, our personal services businesses — like our salons, our barbershops, and others who offer personal services — and many other businesses,” she explained.
Gardner said eligible businesses for the county grant must meet five requirements:
1. They must be a for-profit commercial business
2. They must have been in operation since October 1st, 2020
3. They must occupy a physical location in Frederick County
4. They must be in good standing with both the State of Maryland and Frederick County
5. They must have fewer than 50 employees
Gardner said these additional relief opportunities will support our local businesses. “Our economy is certainly in a better place than it was a year ago, but we know we have many businesses who continue to struggle and who are looking to thrive again,” she stated.
Applications for the grants targeted at hospitality and bed & breakfast providers will open April 30th and remain open until May 7th, 2021.
Applications for the small business grants from the county will open June 17th and remain open until June 25th, 2021.
The applications for agriculture technology grants will be given by invitation only.