COVID-19 Updates
Capital Area Food Bank June 19 Distribution Sites
The weekly grocery distribution sites with the Capital Area Food Bank are now set for this Friday, June 19.
Prince George’s County Will Enter a Modified Phase Two Reopening on Monday, June 15
Dear Prince Georgians:
Prince George’s County is continuing to take a measured and smart approach to reopening, moving at our own pace due to the tremendous impact of COVID-19 on our County. On Monday, June 1, we moved into a modified phase one reopening and have been closely monitoring our COVID-19 data since then. Due to continued downward trends in the number of COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations, we are now ready to move into a modified phase two reopening on Monday, June 15 at 5:00 PM.
The past several months have been a trial, but due to the strong efforts of our community to contain the spread of COVID-19, our health officials have determined that we are ready for this next phase of our incremental reopening. However, I want to stress that, as we slowly recover from this virus and adjust to our new normal, we must all continue to take certain precautions to protect ourselves and others, including wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing.
As part of the modified phase two reopening, residents are still encouraged to exercise caution and limit non-essential trips. A number of non-essential businesses and services will be able to reopen with modifications that protect the health and safety of employees and residents, including the following:
- Retail stores can open in-store with safeguards and capacity limits.
- Barbershops and hair salons can open by appointment only at 50% capacity.
- Nail salons can open by appointment only with one customer per 200 sq. ft.
- Restaurants can continue to offer outdoor seating and can now open for indoor dining at 50% capacity.
- Houses of worship can open for indoor services at 25% capacity, or outdoor services of 250 people or less.
- Outdoor community pools, both public and private, can open at 25% capacity.
- Outdoor youth sports may resume in small groups, no more than nine children and one coach.
- Parks are open for personal fitness and fitness classes.
Some restrictions currently in place will remain. Gyms, fitness centers, and other indoor physical activities will remain closed. Amusement parks, casinos and enclosed shopping malls must remain closed. Gatherings of 10 or more people that are not outlined in our modified phase two reopening are still prohibited. County Government buildings will remain closed to the public, but please remember that your government is still operational and working for you.
More details about the modified phase two reopening and modifications in place for businesses are included below. I want to stress that this decision to move into a modified phase two was not made lightly. It was based on science and data in consultation with our public health officials. Residents are able to view all of the data and trends we used to make our decision through our COVID-19 dashboard online.
Although this year has been a trial with COVID-19, we have stayed together, following the advice of public health experts to protect the lives of our fellow Prince Georgians. Whatever lies ahead, I am confident that we are ready to get through it, together.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Modified Phase Two Reopening
The County’s modified phase two reopening begins Monday, June 15, 2020 at 5:00 PM. A number of businesses and services will be able to reopen with limitations and safeguards in place, listed below.
Retail stores will be able to open in-store with capacity limits of five people per 1,000 square feet allowed in the store, not to exceed 50% percent capacity.
Barbershops and hair salons will be allowed to open for hair services by appointment only at 50% percent capacity, with the use of personal protective equipment including masks and gloves for all employees. Customers must wear face masks and there must be floor markings to create adequate space. Employees are not permitted to have clients wait in a sitting area. All CDC guidelines must be followed.
Nail salons can now reopen by appointment with strong safeguards and physical distancing in place, including the use of face coverings and gloves by employees. High contact surfaces must be cleaned with disinfectant every two hours. Only one customer per 200 square feet of service delivery space is permitted. Customers are required to wear face coverings. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance. Digital payment methods should be encouraged as well.
Restaurants may be open with outside seating as well indoor dining at no more 50% capacity. Tables must be six feet apart, and no more than 50 people are allowed at one time at any outdoor restaurant establishment regardless of space. Employees must wear face coverings and have a health screening before shifts, and all CDC guidelines must be followed. Additionally, hand-washing facilities and hand sanitizer must be available. Restaurant patrons must wear face coverings unless they are eating, otherwise, face coverings must be worn at all times.
Houses of worship can open for gatherings not to exceed 25% capacity. Otherwise, they can maintain online services, drive-in services, and outdoor services of 250 people or less, as long as they maintain appropriate social distancing.
Childcare facilities will be able to open for essential employees and for employees who are returning to work in phase two. In addition to the use of masks and gloves for all employees and having appropriate social distancing and disinfecting in place, there must be a schedule for staggered drop-offs and pickups. Additionally, daily symptom checks and a strict dismissal policy in the event of positive cases must be in place.
Outdoor community pools, both public and private, may open at 25% percent capacity and must practice proper social distancing guidelines. Indoor pools will remain closed.
Car washes may open with automated systems, but drivers and passengers must stay inside of the vehicles at all times. Workers may wipe down the exterior of the car. Self-service car cleaning is now allowed.
Youth sports may resume in small groups, no more than nine children and one coach. There can be no more than 50 people in any area.
Parks are open for personal fitness and fitness classes. This includes all parks, fields, tennis courts, tracks, and golf courses. Low contact sports will be allowed as well.
Some restrictions currently in place will remain. Gyms, fitness centers, and other indoor physical activities will remain closed. Amusement parks, casinos, and enclosed shopping malls must remain closed. Spas, massage parlors, and tattoo parlors will also remain closed. Gatherings of 10 or more people that are not outlined in the modified phase two Executive Order are still prohibited.
County Government buildings will remain closed to the public. County Government will return a limited number of employees, increasing some additional services. However, we are encouraging employees to continue teleworking. The County Government is still open and operational, adding a number of virtual services in our agencies to ensure that we can still serve our residents.
Please remember that residents should still continue to take certain precautions during the modified phase two reopening. Face coverings are required in all businesses and on public transportation. Residents must practice physical distancing, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others. Finally, personal hygiene practices are the best way to prevent the spread of a disease, such as washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
For more information on the modified phase two reopening, please click here.
Stop the Spread
Business Questions on Reopening
We understand that our business community may have questions about their own business operations as Prince George’s County continues through its phased reopening. All County businesses with questions about whether they can be open and how they can operate should reach out to our team at Experience Prince George’s. They can be reached at ReopenPrinceGeorges@co.pg.md.us or 301-925-8300.
New COVID-19 Testing Site
We opened a new COVID-19 testing site at the Rollingcrest-Chillum Recreational Center. As with our Cheverly location, this facility provides free testing for COVID-19 by appointment only. We plan to open at least three additional testing sites in the northern, central and southern parts of the County later this month.
In addition, the Prince George’s County Health Department recommends that anyone who attended a recent peaceful mass protest should get tested for COVID-19, even if you wore a face covering and are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. The County’s testing sites accommodate testing for those in a car or on foot, and you do not need health insurance to be tested. People who have testing prescriptions from health care providers must still make an appointment.
Please call 301-883-6627 to schedule an appointment and visit our website for more information on COVID-19 testing.
Contact Tracing Videos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=574760356775308
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CEXAlsobrooks/status/1271499885641109506
YouTube Link (English): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4oTrvYmAwA&t=1s
YouTube Link (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtW2RvQF_yg&t=1s
Biweekly Modified Bulky Trash Drop-off Service Begins
The first week of modified bulky trash drop-off began on Thursday, June 11, with service from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM in rotating councilmanic districts. Residents are reminded they may bring up to eight bulky items for disposal at the designated sites.
Also, the Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Acceptance Sites located within the Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill (BSRSL) in Upper Marlboro have reopened from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM for regular service on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only. The Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill remains CLOSED to residents, except those in District 6 for modified bulky trash drop-off according to the schedule.
For a list of frequently asked questions, visit environment.mypgc.us. Please note, due to COVID-19 restrictions, County employees are not allowed to assist, handle, or touch any bulky trash items brought to the sites. Therefore, residents must be able to independently lift and place their items in the back of the packer truck for disposal and are encouraged to bring an extra person should they require assistance.
Curbside residential bulky trash will resume at a later date, and we will share that information with our community. Visit environment.mypgc.us for more information or contact 311.
County Government Updates
Human Trafficking is Against the Law
The Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission and the Department of Family Services are reminding you that human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services. Both human trafficking and domestic violence are against the law! If you see something suspicious, please report it to 911. If you need help or know of someone else who needs help, resources are available.
Juneteenth at the Library
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) provides free access to anti-racism resources for the community at pgcmls.info/anti-racism. Recommended ebooks, audiobooks, streaming movies and documentaries, and online resources are accessible with a PGCMLS library card or PGCPS LINK card number.
The Library is commemorating Juneteenth with a new webpage and a week of programs for all ages (June 15-19), including a special virtual “Community Spotlight” on Tuesday, June 16 at 8:00 PM. Native Prince Georgian and Emmy-nominated actor Melvin Jackson Jr. (“The Wire” and “Everybody Hates Chris”) will appear in conversation with LaDonna Smith of PGCMLS. Jackson is an alum of Fairmont Heights High School and Bowie State University.
The community is also invited to contribute to a new crowdsource digital collection called “Archiving the Pandemic.” The submission form and details are available at pgcmls.info/archive-submission.
Finally, national bestselling author and columnist George M. Johnson discusses his debut book “All Boys Aren’t Blue” on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 PM as part of LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Click here to register for any of the Library’s virtual events.
Buy Prince George’s
Experience Prince George’s has compiled a list of local shops to make it easy to support Prince George’s County retail establishments. Browse these listings to find a great deal, get what you need, and most importantly, keep our businesses open! Buy Prince George’s is a partnership brought to you by Experience Prince George’s, the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, and the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce.
Health Insurance Special Enrollment Ends June 15
Prince George’s County Health Connect, a program of the Department of Social Services (DSS), is urging uninsured Prince Georgians to enroll in health coverage before the June 15 coronavirus emergency special enrollment period deadline. To enroll, click here or call 855-642-8572 for assistance.
Redevelopment Authority Awards $247,000 in Community Impact Grants
The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County awarded $247,000 in Community Impact Grants (CIG) to County civic associations and/or community-based organizations incorporated as 501(c)3 entities. Community Impact Grants provide small capital grants to community-based organizations to help implement innovative projects within the County. Eligible applicants must be located within Prince George’s County and be in good standing with the State of Maryland.
Projects must fall into one of two categories: Neighborhood Beautification/Environment or Natural Resources and Sustainability. Grants can only be used for capital expenses related to the implementation of a community-based project. The total funding for FY 2020 for this program is $247,000 and the maximum grant amount is $75,000. The 2020 CIG award recipients are as follows:
- Friends of Greenbelt Theatre – $50,000
- Joe’s Movement Emporium – $50,000
- Mt. Rainier Elementary School – $7,000
- Salvation Army – $40,000
- The Training Source, Inc. – $50,000
- Windmill Square Condominium – $50,000
Virtual Meeting for Bowie-Mitchellville & Vicinity Master Plan
Join the Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) for a virtual kickoff meeting for the Bowie-Mitchellville and Vicinity Master Plan on Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 10:00-11:00 AM via Microsoft Teams Live. Please register at http://bit.ly/RegisterBMVMP. Details to access the virtual meeting will be provided to registrants prior to the event.
The meeting will highlight the purpose of the new master plan, the projected timeline, and opportunities for residents, property owners and stakeholders to participate in the planning process. The new master plan area covers approximately 59 square miles of northeastern Prince George’s County, including the entire City of Bowie, Mitchellville, Collington and other surrounding communities. For more details on the project, please click here.
100 Events of Summer – Father’s Day
Join the Office of Community Relations as we celebrate Father’s Day! Honor your dad by sharing why you think he’s the best. Submit your video on Instagram by tagging us (@pgc_communityrelations) and using the hashtag #OCR100EOS for a chance to win a prize!
Virtual Summer Clubhouses
The Department of Parks & Recreation has announced that registration for their virtual summer programs, called Summer Clubhouses, will begin on Monday, June 15. The catalogue of virtual programs is now available online as a resource for parents. To view this catalogue and find the right virtual summer program for your child, please click here.
Prince George’s Proud Moments
Joe’s Virtual, Creative Revolution: Voices and Action to Help Heal Our Souls
In 25 years of moving our community creatively forward, there has never been a moment like this. Standing in solidarity with our artist partners, community leaders, and people of all colors, Joe’s Movement Emporium is doing what they do best – leading with creativity. Performers from Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mt. Rainier and the new Creative Suitland Arts Center will be expressing their artistic energy in new works relevant to this extraordinary time. Community leaders and special guests will offer ideas for healthy expression and ways to channel raw emotions into positive actions. We’ll also honor our 2020 Mighty Joe Awardees. Then, you’re invited to our DJ-led musical space to grieve, affirm, connect, hope and move, as one nation under a groove.
Celebrate Joe’s Movement Emporium’s 25th Anniversary with a virtual concert and conversation featuring spoken word, dance, African drumming, music and special guests such as County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
Register for the virtual celebration online here. For more information, email Brittany@joesmovement.org.
Project Hope Provides PPE to Prince George’s County
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Project Hope donates a large amount of PPE to our Office of Community Relations and our Office of Emergency Management.
Project Hope provided an overwhelming donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to our COVID-19 efforts. The Office of Community Relations, in collaboration with the Office of Emergency Management, will work collectively to distribute the PPE to first responders and vulnerable community stakeholders as they work to keep our community safe. Project Hope works on the frontlines of the world’s health challenges, partnering hand-in-hand with communities, health care workers and public health systems to ensure sustainable change. We are so thankful for their partnership and support of our County.
2020 Census: Complete Your Census Today
Your voice matters in the 2020 Census. The Census impacts government representation, schools, health care, and infrastructure such as our roads. It only takes a few minutes to fill out and you can complete it right now by clicking here. Help brighten the future of our County by ensuring we have the resources we need for everyone, from our seniors to our children.
What is Contact Tracing?
Accepted Bulky Trash Items
