TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Council on Monday evening voted to extend its state of emergency until February 7th.  The council voted 6-1 in favor of the extension, with Seventh District Councilman Todd Crandell, a Republican, being the sole representative opposed to the measure.

County Executive Olszewski declared the local state of emergency last week in response to rising COVID-19 metrics across the county.  Olszewski also introduced a new indoor masking requirement that will remain in effect through the end of January.

In a recent NottinghamMD.com reader poll, more than 85 percent of respondents said they would not be willing to support Olszewski’s reelection bid in 2022.

Fifth District Councilman David Marks says the state of emergency will help officials accelerate the delivery of more COVID-19 test kits.

“Baltimore County has purchased 50,000 kits that are on their way for delivery, and another 126,000 that will be provided to Baltimore County Public Schools,” said Councilman Marks on Monday. “The state of emergency will allow tens of thousands to be procured, saving about two weeks’ time. My number one priority is working with the County administration to accelerate the delivery of testing kits.”

The County Council also reelected Councilman Julian Jones to continue serving as its chair on Monday evening.

Jones, a Democrat, has represented the Fourth District, which includes Randallstown, Woodlawn, and portions of Owings Mills and Reisterstown, for the past seven years.