COVID-19 Update: Your Efforts Have Made a Difference
Dear Prince Georgians:
A month ago, on March 16th, I declared a State of Emergency in Prince George’s County due to this coronavirus pandemic. Since then, we have taken several actions to slow the spread of this virus in our community. We asked you to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order to stay home, except for essential trips like going to the grocery store or to the bank. We asked you to practice social distancing as recommended by our health experts, maintaining at least six feet of distance between yourself and others in public. Most recently, I issued an Executive Order this week requiring face coverings when in stores or on public transportation.
I want to thank each and every one of you that has been diligently following these guidelines. You have foregone meaningful family gatherings. You have limited your shopping trips, checked in on your neighbors virtually, and worshipped from home rather than in person. While I know this has been difficult for everyone, and we are all wondering when our daily lives will go back to normal, I want to stress that your efforts have been, and continue to be, life-saving.
As Governor Hogan stated earlier this week, we can see that what we are doing is working, and that our collective efforts have begun to make a difference. While there is still a way to go before we make it through this crisis, and while we must still continue to follow all the above guidelines to protect our community, it is encouraging to truly know that the coronavirus will not have the final say.
However, I am heartbroken to say that 113 Prince Georgians have lost their lives to this deadly disease. In addition, more than 3,000 Prince Georgians have contracted COVID-19. We continue to pray for all those who have lost loved ones to this virus, as well as those residents who are currently battling COVID-19. We are also thankful for those on the frontlines of this pandemic – healthcare workers, first responders, public safety employees, grocery store workers, bus drivers, utility workers, and so many others – who work hard each and every day to keep us safe and provide the essential services that we need.
While the past several weeks have been difficult for our community, we have also seen the strength and resilience of Prince Georgians. From grocery distributions for those in need to donations of personal protective equipment for our first responders, Prince Georgians continue to show that we lift each other up. Thank you for all that you are doing to care for yourselves, your families, your neighbors and our community. We are Prince George’s Proud, we are in this together, and we will get through this together.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
 The Department of Social Services alerts residents that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Department of Human Services will provide all current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and new eligible applicants with the maximum benefit amount for April and May. Current recipients do not need to do anything to receive the maximum benefit. New eligible applicants are encouraged to apply online.
The Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) has reestablished free public access to Lynda.com Library, which contains over 4,000 courses and certifications in subjects ranging from web development to music production. The Library also launched a new partnership with D.C. United that provides Prince George's County families with online workout videos, #SavewithStories read-alouds and #AMA events with players, and activities during the stay at home order. All Prince Georgians are invited to enter the Library's 1st Annual Poetry Contest. Submissions are due May 8 (see guidelines here).
FSC First is excited to announce the April 15th launch of its new website, which has been developed and designed as a user-friendly platform that is cutting-edge and easy to navigate. The new website provides access to an extensive portfolio of financial services, programs, and resources to help businesses and entrepreneurs with all of their needs.
For a complete list of County Government updates and services during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit our website at mypgc.us.
COVID-19 Case Count Dashboard
 The County is maintaining a COVID-19 Case Count Dashboard. This dashboard, updated daily, reflects the total number of diagnosed cases in the County, breaking down those cases by race, age, gender and zip code.
COVID-19 Donations
 Many of our residents have reached out to us asking how they can help and offering to donate items. Items most needed right now include personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves, non-perishable food items, toilet paper, paper towels, and baby supplies such as formula and diapers. If you have the resources to assist, please fill out our form and we will ensure the items you have to donate reach those in need.
April 9 Tele-Town Hall Audio
 Our Tele-Town Hall from April 9 is now available online. If you missed it, please listen online to learn more about how your County Government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arts Community Emergency Relief Fund
 The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council has announced the Prince George’s County Arts Community Emergency Relief Fund to support the creative community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund will sustain the County's arts small businesses, arts non-profits and creative professionals whose income has been impacted by COVID-19. For more information and to complete an application, please click here.
COVID-19 Business Relief Fund
 The Prince George’s County COVID-19 Business Relief Fund is now accepting applications. Businesses can apply for a loan and/or grant to support cash operating expenses, such as payroll, suppliers, rent and fixed debt payments. Please visit our Economic Development Corporation’s website to learn more and apply.
COVID-19 Hourly Employee Relief Fund
The Prince George’s County COVID-19 Hourly Employee Relief Fund is still accepting applications. Prince George’s County residents who have been laid off due to COVID-19 can apply for a $200 Employ Prince George’s Visa Cash Card. While any resident who has been laid off due to COVID-19 can apply, priority is given to those who were making $19 per hour or less. To apply online, please visit www.employpgedge.com.
Fact Sheets, Infographics & Resources
 Did you know all the infographics, fact sheets and resources we have shared with the community are available online? Please visit our COVID-19 Resources page to access all the information we have available for Prince Georgians.
Census Midday Meet-Up
 Our Census Midday Meet-Up with Joe Clair and DJ Chris J is this Saturday from 2:00-4:00 PM. Join us for this fun event with live music and entertainment at cex.mypgc.us. If you haven’t already completed your Census, please visit my2020census.gov and complete it today.
Census Virtual Phone Bank
 Calling all nonprofits! We need every Prince Georgian to be counted in the 2020 Census, and we need your help. Join our Census team every Tuesday in April for a virtual phone bank to your membership directory. To register your organization to participate, please sign up here.
Even if you’re not part of a nonprofit, you can still help residents be counted. You can call/text family members, friends, and neighbors to encourage them to complete the Census. Call/text five Prince Georgians today to remind them to complete their Census online at my2020Census.gov.
Emergency Home-Care Kit
Children at Home During COVID-19
Reminder: Don't Litter Used Gloves/Masks
Earth Day Photo Challenge
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