COVID-19 Update: Prince George’s County Remains in Phase 2
Dear Prince Georgians:
Yesterday I announced that, due to a slight spike in cases in our County after the Labor Day holiday weekend, Prince George’s County will remain in phase 2 of reopening. This decision was made under the advice of County health officials after analyzing COVID-19 data and trends over the past two weeks.
After the Labor Day weekend, we saw a brief spike in our positivity rate, which went up to 5.4%. Last week, our positivity rate dropped down to 4.1%, which is still defined as “medium-risk” by health officials. In addition, the County’s infection rate last week was 1.05, higher than the State average of 0.99. This is also in the medium-risk category for the spread of infection.
Finally, the County’s average daily case rate per 100,000 residents is 11.7, which is just over the threshold for the high-risk category. A low-risk of infection would be an average daily case rate of under 5 per 100,000 residents. However, the data for the week of September 13 is trending downward compared to the increase that was seen the week of September 6.
I want to commend our residents and our businesses for continuing to do a beautiful job of keeping each other safe. The increase that we saw from the recent Labor Day holiday weekend was not as bad as the one we saw following the 4th of July weekend, so if our numbers continue to trend downward, we may be able to move into our next phase of recovery in the near future. We will share an update on our progress in the next two to three weeks.
In addition, we are pleased to announce that the Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) in Upper Marlboro will reopen by appointment only on Monday, September 28, for pet adoptions, pet redemptions, and animal intake. Before entering the building, all visitors must wear a face mask and receive a temperature check, among other COVID-19 safety guidelines.
I want to sincerely thank the staff at the ASFAC, who have done a tremendous job of caring for the animals in the shelter during this pandemic, as well as our Animal Control Officers, who have continued serving the community and responding to calls. I also want to thank the community partners who have worked with us to help place animals in their forever homes while the Facility has been closed to the public. Additional information about the reopening of the ASFAC is included below.
Finally, we have information available on ballot drop boxes for the 2020 General Election. Our County will have 42 secure ballot drop boxes that will be monitored by security 24/7. Voters can use these drop boxes to return their mail-in ballots if they do not wish to return them via mail. 22 will be available by the end of next week, and the other 20 will be available between October 15-17. For a full list of drop box locations and when they will be available, please click here.
Please remember to wear a face mask, practice physical distancing, wash your hands, and avoid large gatherings. Together, we can ensure that COVID-19 does not have the final say and that we continue moving forward.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Animal Services Facility Reopens Monday, September 28
 The Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) in Upper Marlboro will reopen by appointment only on Monday, September 28, for pet adoptions, pet redemptions, and animal intake. All visitors entering the building must wear a face mask and will receive a temperature check.
ASFAC will open with its regular operating hours Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from noon to 6:00 PM, Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Facility is closed on Thursday and Sunday. ASFAC will remain closed to the general public except by appointment.
To begin the adoption process, visitors must call 301-780-7201 to schedule a 30-minute appointment on a first-come, first-served basis, and download and complete an adoption application. Be sure to include the animal ID number of up to two pets maximum and bring the application to the ASFAC to your appointment. If you cannot download or print these items, it will be done for you at the Facility. Click here for a list of reopening frequently asked questions. For more information on pet adoptions, other animal services, or to view a list of adoptable pets, visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com.
Stand Up & Deliver
 We are continuing to work hard to address food insecurity in our County, and we want to provide information on next week’s distribution locations for our Stand Up & Deliver program.
Tuesday, September 29 at 10:00 AM (Groceries & Meals)
- St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church – 7501 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD
Friday, October 2 at 12:30 PM (Groceries)
- Ebenezer AME Church – 7707 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD
- Faith Temple No. 2 Free Will Baptist Church – 211 Maryland Park Drive, Capitol Heights, MD
- St. Paul Church – 6419 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD
- Mt. Ennon Baptist Church – 9832 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD (Prepared Meals)
Sunday, October 4 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)
- Community of Hope AME – 3737 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD
Additional food distribution locations can be found on our website by clicking here. This map is updated regularly. If you are able to make a contribution to our Stand Up & Deliver program, please click here to donate.
Employment Resources from Employ Prince George’s
 Employ Prince George’s, in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, continues to accept applications for the Prince George’s County COVID-19 Hourly Employee Relief Fund. Prince George's County residents who have been laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for a $200 EPG Visa Cash Card and can apply at employpgedge.com.
Employ Prince George’s is also offering Prince George's County residents whose employment has been affected by the pandemic the opportunity to take advantage of career planning services, free skills training, and job placement and job readiness assistance through the Employ Prince George’s COVID-19 Workforce Development Recovery Program. Residents can complete step 1 of this program by submitting their information here.
Don’t Forget to Request Your Mail-in Ballot
 The October 20 deadline to request a mail-in ballot for the November 3 general election is approaching fast. You can request your mail-in ballot in one of the following ways:
- Submit an application online at elections.maryland.gov
- Text VBM to 77788
- Visit the County Board of Elections to complete an application in person (Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM at 1100 Mercantile Ln, Suite 115A, Largo, MD)
- Return the application sent to you by the Board of Elections by mail using the pre-stamped envelope
The State Board of Elections will begin mailing ballots between September 24-28, so those who already requested a mail-in ballot may start receiving them as soon as this weekend. If you have already requested a mail-in ballot:
- Monitor your mailbox in the coming days.
- Once you receive your ballot, fill it out completely, place it in the return envelope, sign the voter oath on the envelope, and seal the envelope.
- Return it to a secure ballot drop box located throughout the County by 8:00 PM on November 3, or via mail with a postmark on or before November 3. Click here for a list of ballot drop boxes.
Census Deadline is September 30
 Don’t forget that the deadline to respond to the 2020 Census is Wednesday, September 30. For each Prince Georgian that is not counted in the Census, we will lose $18,250 in federal funding over the next 10 years. Make sure you have completed your Census, then remind your family, friends and neighbors. Residents can complete the Census in 10 minutes online at my2020Census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020.
Latino Census Day
 Our office will join with several community partners to host a Latino Census Day on Tuesday, September 29 at 4:00 PM. Free meals will be provided first come, first served at Tanglewood Park, 5671 Tanglewood Drive, Riverdale, MD. There will be an opportunity for residents to receive assistance with completing their 2020 Census on the spot.
Office of Emergency Management Offers Reporting Tool for Recent Flooding
In response to the recent historic flooding that our County and region experienced, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has launched an Assessment Tool for all residents impacted by the flooding to submit damage reports. OEM has been working with our Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) to visit residents impacted by flooding. OEM is also working with municipal and State leaders on damage assessments, which will be used to determine eligibility for assistance through FEMA and the Small Business Administration.
This was an extraordinary event for our region. We received more than 4 inches of rainfall in an hour, which is a 100-year event, and 4.9 inches in two hours, which is a 50-year event. Hyattsville was the epicenter with 6.35 inches of rainfall. While it appears County systems were working properly, they were undoubtedly overwhelmed. We are currently assessing all County systems, including WSSC infrastructure and State Highway infrastructure to see if any system failures contributed to the flooding.
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Board of Library Trustees and Advisory Committee on Aging Sworn into Office
Board of Library Trustees being sworn in.
Advisory Committee on Aging after being sworn in.
On September 15, 2020, several of our Board and Commission Members were officially sworn into office after being confirmed by the County Council earlier this year. The Board of Library Trustees is a policy-making body that guides the development of library services for the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. The Advisory Committee on Aging advises the County Executive and County Council on issues related to aging. We know all of these individuals will do a great job serving in their respective roles. Please join us in congratulating the following Prince Georgians!
Board of Library Trustees:
Angela D. Smith
Brett A. Crawford (reappointed)
Dr. Hiram G. Larew (reappointed)
Toni A. Smith (reappointed)
Advisory Committee on Aging:
Margarett Baltimore
Shaunda P. Bellamy
Vanecia L. Davis
Claudia W. Dickens
Gwendolyn A. Drummond
Kofi G. Impraim
Deidre N. Jackson
Gretchen D. Lofland, Ed.D
Erica E. Noble
Patrice E. Poole-King
Kym D. Taylor
Eddimae Gamble Tisdale
Agnes Diane Williams
Emerge Stronger Business Recovery & Resilience Program
 Register today for a free Emerge Stronger Business Recovery and Resilience session hosted by the Economic Development Corporation. The Emerge Stronger Small Business Recovery and Resilience program is designed to support the County’s small businesses by helping them remain open for business and thrive. Programming includes CEO bootcamps for the retail, restaurant and healthcare industries, mentorship, group counseling, and financial management seminars. There is also an all-Spanish CEO bootcamp.
While immediate COVID-19 relief funding is critical to maintain operations, implementing best practices in business management is vital to improve short-term recovery odds and long-term post-pandemic resilience. Join industry experts for interactive webinars or sign up for a private counseling session today. Whatever you need, the Emerge Stronger Business Recovery and Resilience program has something for you! Click here to register for free programs.
Mental Health Mini-Webinars
 The County Executive’s Health & Human Services Team will host another series of Mental Health Mini-Webinars in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month. Sessions will cover behavioral health and some of the stress students, parents and teachers may feel with virtual learning.
The first session will be held September 28 at 2:00 PM. You can access it by clicking here and entering passcode 323576. The second session will be held October 7 at 11:00 AM. You can access it by clicking here and entering passcode 817806. If you need additional information, please email mentalhealth@co.pg.md.us.
Office of Finance Property Tax Payment Drop Box
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the County’s Office of Finance has set up a drop boxes for property tax payments at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building (1301 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD). Drive-up drop boxes will be available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday-Friday, through October 2. The walk-up drop box is available 24/7 and is located at the entrance of the building. Residents are also able to pay property taxes online through the Office of Finance’s online portal. For more information on property tax payments, please click here.
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What’s the 311?
 Join our Office of Community Relations for the next edition of “What’s the 311?” featuring our Office of Emergency Management on Tuesday, September 29 at 12:30 PM. They will discuss ways to reduce the effects of an emergency through preparedness, prevention and planning. To join, visit https://zoom.us/join and enter:
- Zoom Meeting ID: 932 5703 3065
- Passcode: 859758
Celebrate Africa: A Virtual Festival
 From September 25-27, experience an Ethiopian azmari bet (performance venue) and Ghanian storytelling. Meet restauranteurs that feed not only their patrons but their communities. Vibe to bands playing traditional African instruments, and vocalists singing in languages such as Yoruba, Twi Fante, and French. This year’s virtual Celebrate Africa Festival through the Department of Parks & Recreation promises to deliver content that will delight, educate, and entertain. Click here to learn more.
Department of Parks & Recreation 2020 Fall Guide & Upcoming Events
 Check out the Department of Parks and Recreation’s guide to all things fun, from nature hikes to boat tours, and more! Many of the programs are virtual so you can stay safe in the comfort of your own home. Click here to view the 2020 Fall Guide.
The Department of Parks and Recreation is also hosting its fall “Yoga in the Parks”, which includes free outdoor classes. Learn more and register here.
On September 26, celebrate Family Health and Fitness Day USA. Stop by the Get Fit Mobile unit in either Walker Mill Regional Park (10:00 AM to 11:30 AM) or Lane Manor Splash Park (12 noon to 1:30 PM) to receive a free Grab and Go Family Fitness bag.
Finally, Grab and Go Senior Meals are available for seniors ages 60 and better and for individuals with disabilities (all ages) on October 7 and October 21 from 12 noon to 2:00 PM. Advance registration required here.
Upcoming Events from the Library
 The Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is presenting "Ready, Set, Bank" ("Listos, clic, avance") this October for seniors and Spanish speakers. The program teaches skills for safely using online banking. Participants who complete required sessions will receive a $50 gift card. Seniors can register by emailing shelley.obrien@pgcmls.info. Spanish speakers can register by emailing maria.vivar-guzman@pgcmls.info. Spaces are limited.
In addition, join PGCMLS for the One Maryland One Book program, celebrating reading in Maryland. This year’s book is Island of the Sea Women by Lisa See, and Library CEO Roberta Phillips will welcome the author in conversation on October 4. Learn more about One Maryland One Book, the novel, and how you can participate by clicking here.
Upcoming Events from the Human Relations Commission
The Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission is holding its second “Voting – Democracy in Action” event in partnership with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System on October 6 at 6:00 PM. Tune in to learn more about the history of the fight for voting rights and how to ensure your voice is heard this election. You can watch the event here.
The Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System will also host another “The Elephant We Don’t See” Diversity Dialogue on September 29 at 7:00 PM. They will discuss Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility. You can tune in here.
Proud to Support National Disability Employment Awareness Month
 Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme, “Increasing Access and Opportunity,” celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces. To recognize this year's theme, the Department of Family Services will host a Disability Sensitivity Virtual Training on Thursday, October 1, 2020, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. As our workforce continues to grow, so has the number of employees and clients with differing abilities. Through this training we would like to educate participants and provide them with the tools to communicate with respect and sensitivity when interacting with persons with differing abilities.
Registration Options:
- Prince George’s County Government employees, please click here to complete the registration form.
- Community partners, please click here to complete the registration form.
- Registration closes on Monday, September 28.
For more information, contact Valerie Berkeley at VFBerkeley@co.pg.md.us.
The Men’s Challenge Initiative: Fall Edition
 Join the Department of Family Services for a new installment of the Men’s Challenge Initiative, a series of group discussions that seeks to influence men and boys through conversations about developing healthy relationships. Topics of discussion include: Preventing Domestic Violence and Teen Dating Violence; Fatherhood, Faith and Forgiveness; and How Prince George's County is Supporting its Veterans. For a full list of discussion topics and meeting dates visit the Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking page.
DPW&T 2019-2020 Annual Report
 Our Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) has released their 2019-2020 Annual Report, which provides information on their accomplishments over the past year and some of their upcoming plans for the County. We are Prince George’s Proud of the continued hard work of our DPW&T employees. You can view the report online here.
Native American Day Waste Collection Schedule
 County government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2020, in observance of Native American Day. All trash and recycling collections remain on a regular schedule.
TheBus, a public transit service operated by the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T), will operate on Monday, October 12, 2020, with exception to Route 51X, which operates only in downtown Upper Marlboro during peak periods when the Courthouse is open. Regular service on Route 51X will resume on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. In addition, the County’s Call-A-Bus service, including dialysis transportation, will not operate on Monday, October 12, 2020. Regular route services will resume on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
In addition, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), and Prince George’s CountyClick 3-1-1 will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2020, and will resume regular operations on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. However, residents can still submit service/issue requests online at www.countyclick311.com.
Curbside Bulky Trash Collection Accepting December Appointments
 Need to dispose of big furniture or appliances properly? Then curbside bulky trash collection is for you. Contact 311 to schedule your appointment for a December pickup today.
Planning Board Budget Forums
 The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) will hold its 2020 Budget Forums virtually this fall to solicit comments on the Commission’s budget for planning, parks, and recreation in Prince George’s County for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2021. The virtual public forums will be held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 and Tuesday, October 13, 2020. To learn more and to sign up to testify, please click here.
Prince Georgians Make Maryland Daily Record’s 2020 VIP List
 We are Prince George’s Proud of all the Prince Georgians who were named to the Maryland Daily Record’s 2020 VIP (Very Important Professionals) List, including Pokuaa “PK” Owusu-Acheaw from the County Executive’s Office. PK currently works with our legislative team as the Intergovernmental Affairs Officer. To view the entire 2020 VIP List, click here.
FedExField Becomes County’s 41st Vote Center for Election Day
 We are pleased that through our outreach to the Washington Football Team and the efforts of our local Board of Elections to get this approved by the State, FedExField will be the 41st Election Day Vote Center in our County. We want to express our gratitude to the Washington Football Team for being such wonderful community partners in this effort. Learn more from a recent story from WUSA9. For a list of Vote Centers in the County, please click here.
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