Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski  announced a hiring freeze Thursday of non-essential positions in county government.

Olszewski said the coronavirus pandemic is costing the county tens of millions of dollars in both expenses and lost revenues. Olszewski said the hiring freeze is being done to avoid layoffs and furloughs of county employees, but he could not guarantee that that won’t be necessary eventually.

“Unfortunately we know there will likely be even more difficult decisions in the weeks and months ahead,” Olszewski said. “It is truly a challenging time.”

First responders as well as public health workers who are dealing with the COVID-19 crisis are exempt from the freeze.

Olszewski also announced Thursday that the number of Saturday food distribution sites in the county will nearly triple to 30. Maryland Army National Guard troops will be helping out at the Saturday food distribution sites.

Beginning Friday, the troops also will be working at the seven Department of Recreation and Parks locations where food is being handed out.

“They are neighbors from our communities here to support our communities,” Olszewski said. “We are grateful to have the guard’s assistance in this work.”

You can find out more about food distribution locations at baltimorecountymd.gov/foodhelp.