COVID-19 Update: We Are on Track for a Modified Phase 1 Reopening by June 1
Dear Prince Georgians:
This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. Normally, in addition to honoring those we have lost in conflict, this is a weekend marked by family gatherings, cookouts and the first beach trip of the season. Unfortunately, these are not normal times, and as difficult as it is, we want to remind you that our Stay-At-Home Order is still in effect. We must stay home except for essential activities like getting groceries, seeking medical care, picking up prescriptions, or getting some exercise, like walking or bike-riding.
Yesterday, we announced that if current data trends continue, Prince George’s County is on track to move toward a modified reopening by June 1. Recent data shows the County on a downward trend in positivity rates, hospitalizations and death rates. This is due to your commitment to following the Stay-At-Home Order, which has helped us slow the spread of this virus in our community.
According to County data, the week of May 3 through May 9 was the highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations with an average of 244 inpatients in County hospitals per day. The County began to see a decrease starting on May 10, with last week’s average being 208 patients. For this week, to date, County hospitals are averaging 184 patients, a 25% decrease from the peak.
In addition, preliminary data of tests collected last week have a 28% positivity rate, which is a decrease from a high of 41% the week of April 19. Deaths have slowly decreased from a high of 72 during the week of April 19, to 66 the week of May 3. Preliminary data from the week of May 10 shows 59 deaths. While this is an improvement, COVID-19 continues to be the leading cause of death in the County since April, surpassing heart disease and cancer.
So, while the downward trend of these numbers is promising, we do not want to let our guard down now and suffer a set back just when we are making such tremendous progress. Therefore, I urge all Prince Georgians to exercise caution, use good judgement and observe the Stay-at-Home Order this holiday weekend so that we can stay on track to begin reopening by our target date. In the coming days, we will provide further updates on the details of a potential modified phase one reopening.
Even though we are asking you to stay home, we do want to encourage you to socialize virtually. Get together with a group of people online and have a virtual cookout, where you can share in good times and a pre-summer celebration with those you love. As much as it is important that we are physically separate from one another, it is important that we are socially connected, and I encourage you to spend this holiday weekend reaching out – from a distance – to those you love.
Finally, this Memorial Day I am thinking more than ever of all the Prince Georgians and Marylanders in the armed forces who died while serving our country. I hope you will join the moment of silence for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM on Monday to reflect on, to remember, and to honor the men and women of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice while keeping our country safe.
Prince Georgians, the summer sun is arriving. It brings with it warmth, longer days, and the hope of a new season. This weekend as we reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day and look forward to a Maryland summer, know that we have hope because COVID-19 will not have the final say. I want to thank our residents for your continued strength and perseverance. I am Prince George’s Proud of this County, because our commitment and care for each other has truly shown that we are Prince George’s Strong.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Rental Assistance Program Temporarily Closed
 Due to an overwhelming response to our Emergency Rental Assistance Program, we are no longer accepting applications. Our team is continuing to process applications and follow-up with those who have already applied for the program. This program was meant to address some immediate needs of our residents while we work to find ways to address this issue long-term. We will keep our community posted on further updates to the program and our efforts to address rental assistance as we move forward.
COVID-19 Business Recovery Initiative
 Our COVID-19 Business Recovery Initiative (formerly Business Relief Fund) is announcing several changes to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. This is now an all GRANT fund, providing up to $100,000 to small, County-based businesses. Applicants who applied and were approved will be contacted to revise their initial request. Sole proprietors, 1099 contractors and co-ops are now eligible to apply for this Initiative. Due to these changes and additional money that has been added to the Initiative, the deadline to apply is now May 29. To learn more and to apply, please click here.
Golf Courses Set to Reopen in Prince George’s County
 The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation announced the reopening of our three golf courses this Saturday, May 23, at 9 AM. Each golf facility will also be open this Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25. Our Department of Parks and Recreation is taking the necessary precautions to safely reopen, following guidance from state and local health officials. Golfers are reminded to practice social distancing when playing at one of our golf courses. For more information, please click here.
June 2 Primary Election – Ballot Drop Locations
 Voters should be receiving their ballots in the mail for the June 2 primary. Postage is pre-paid, so after you vote your ballot and sign the voter oath, you can place it back into the mailbox. There are also five ballot drop box locations throughout the County for voters to drop their completed ballots:
- Bowie Gymnasium – 4100 Northview Drive, Bowie, MD
- College Park Community Center – 5051 Pierce Avenue, College Park, MD
- Kentland Community Center – 2413 Pinebrook Avenue, Landover, MD
- Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex – 7007 Bock Road, Fort Washington, MD
- Prince George’s County Board of Elections Office – 1100 Mercantile Lane, Suite 115A, Largo, MD
Ballots must be postmarked by June 2, 2020 or must be in the drop box by 8:00 PM on June 2. In addition, limited in-person voting is available on June 2. Four Election Day Vote Centers will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, which include Bowie Gymnasium, College Park Community Center, Kentland Community Center, and the Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex.
If you are a registered voter and have not yet received your ballot, contact our local Board of Elections at 301-341-7300 or election@co.pg.md.us. If you were one of the affected voters who only received instructions in Spanish and still have not received the instructions in English in the mail, you can access those instructions online here.
COVID-19 Testing
 Remember that we are offering free COVID-19 testing for residents, regardless of health insurance coverage. Testing is by appointment only at our Health Department’s clinic in Cheverly. If you are feeling sick and think you may need to be tested for COVID-19, call our hotline at 301-883-6627 for screening. The hotline is available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. For more information, please click here.
Summer @ Your Library
 The Prince George's County Memorial Library System is partnering with the Washington Nationals for this year's all-virtual “Summer @ Your Library” (S@YL) summer reading and library engagement program. The program is open to all ages and it's free to join with your library card or LINK card number. Read 30 minutes, attend virtual programs, or access the online library to unlock badges and receive prizes. All who complete the program will be entered to win a grand prize from the Washington Nationals, and youth will be entered to win a $529 college savings fund from Maryland 529. Registration is available in English and Spanish. The Library also offers free SAT, ACT, PSAT, TOEFL, and AP practice exams and online tutorials. Visit the Homework Support Suite for more information.
Special Enrollment Period for Health Insurance
 Prince George’s County Health Connect reminds uninsured residents that they have until June 15 to enroll in coverage through the State’s health insurance marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, under the Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period. For information about health insurance, call Prince George’s County Health Connect at 301-427-9500 or visit their website.
Census Art Break
 Join us for a Census Art Break! Grab your art supplies and enjoy a free art lesson from Paint It Kids Studio! Parents, while your kids are drawing along, take a few minutes to complete your Census. If you want to get an early start on some drawings, there are some already posted on their YouTube channel.
If you have not yet completed your Census, please take a few minutes to do so now by visiting my2020census.gov or calling 844-330-2020.
George & Ernestine Barksdale Recognized as Foster Parents of the Year
 With May being Foster Care Awareness Month, we are Prince George’s Proud to congratulate our very own Prince Georgians, George and Ernestine Barksdale, for being recognized as 2020 Foster Parents of the Year by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments! The Barksdales have been foster parents in the County for ten years, and they have seen at least three teens off to college.
Foster parents aren’t replacements, they’re extra support for children and their families in need. If you live in Prince George’s County and would like information on how to be a foster parent, please reach out to our Department of Social Services at 301-909-2300.
 On May 19, Governor Hogan announced the opening of additional State-run COVID-19 testing facilities at VEIP sites, including in Hyattsville and Clinton. More information about those State testing sites can be found here. Additionally, CVS Pharmacies have announced they will begin offering drive-thru testing at certain locations, including four in Prince George’s County. To learn more about their initiative and to find locations, click here.
The Maryland Department of Labor announced that, effective May 21, 2020, all regular unemployment insurance claimants are able to file weekly claim certifications for all prior weeks they have missed in just one session using BEACON One-Stop. Previously, claimants were limited to filing for just one prior week. To learn more about filing for unemployment and to access BEACON One-Stop, click here.
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that all five state veteran cemeteries, including Cheltenham, will be extending visiting hours on Monday, May 25, in honor of Memorial Day. Visiting hours will be 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM. The administrative building, shelter, and restrooms will all be closed. Please practice social distancing guidelines and wear proper face coverings. For more information, click here.
Stay in Touch Virtually
What is Contact Tracing?
Visualizing Physical Distancing
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