Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Our Chief Health Officer, Dr. Ernest Carter, has issued a Health Directive and Order imposing a curfew at National Harbor for unaccompanied minors (ages 17 and under) that took effect Friday, November 20 at 5:00 PM. The Health Directive and Order imposes a curfew on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM for unaccompanied minors ages 17 and under.
We have had repeated issues at National Harbor with young people gathering in large crowds without masks, and due to the concerning rise in COVID-19 cases in our County and State, we are required to take this necessary action to limit the spread of the virus. There are several exceptions to this rule, such as a minor who is working or returning home from work at National Harbor. In addition, minors are still able to be at National Harbor after the curfew if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Any person who violates this Directive and Order, to include a parent or guardian who allows a person 17 years of age or younger in their care or custody to be unaccompanied at National Harbor in violation of the curfew, may be fined up to $1,000, or charged with a misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding $5,000, or both.
We did not make this decision lightly, but we know from contact tracing that most people who tested positive for COVID-19 have said they had recently attended large gatherings and parties. In addition, we continue to see a concerning rise in COVID-19 metrics. For the week of November 8, the County saw 2,087 new cases, a 51% increase from the previous week and the highest number of new cases in one week since the start of May. In addition, the County’s positivity rate rose to 8.5% for the week of November 8, doubling in the past month. Hospitalization numbers continue to increase as well.
The curfew at National Harbor is the latest action we are taking to flatten the curve and limit the spread of this virus. We have previously closed several businesses and hotels for violations of COVID-19 protocols and we will continue to take all necessary actions across the County to keep residents safe from this virus. Please remember to continue to do your part to stop the spread of this virus by wearing a face covering, practicing physical distancing, washing your hands often, and avoiding crowds.
As we continue to see a rise in cases and we approach Thanksgiving, I want to be very clear that we must celebrate the holidays responsibly. 2020 has been a year like none other, and unfortunately Thanksgiving will be no different. Instead of gathering in person, it is important that we find other safe ways to connect. This year, we need to show our loved ones how much they mean to us by practicing physical distancing, even on Thanksgiving.
I’ve heard residents come up with several creative ways to safely celebrate. Some have said they are going to prepare to-go meals for family members to receive a “drive-thru” Thanksgiving plate. Others are going to turn on their computers to host a virtual Thanksgiving with family members outside of their household.
However you decide to celebrate Thanksgiving, remember the people in your life who are susceptible to COVID-19. We need to avoid gathering with people outside of our household, but that doesn’t mean we can’t connect virtually with the people we love. With all the good news about COVID-19 vaccines, we know that the finish line is in sight. Therefore, this Thanksgiving it is so important that we do everything we can to protect the people we love and limit the spread of this virus.
If you need to review our Health Department’s COVID-19 holiday guidance, visit our Coronavirus page. Please remember to be safe, and I hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Stand Up & Deliver
 We are continuing to work hard to address food insecurity in our County, and we want to provide information on this week’s distribution locations for our Stand Up & Deliver program.
Tuesday, November 24 at 3:00 PM (Groceries)
- Ebenezer A.M.E. 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
- First Baptist Church of District Heights – 7234 Lansdale Street, District Heights, 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.
Add MD COVID Alert to Your Phone
 You may have already received a notification on your cell phone about “MD COVID Alert”. This is not a scam, it is part of the Maryland Department of Health’s (MDH) contact tracing effort to notify people about possible COVID-19 exposure.
Anyone with an iPhone or Android should receive a notification prompting them to opt-in to MD COVID Alert. MD COVID Alert uses Bluetooth technology that determines if two phones are in close proximity with each other for a long enough period of time. Later, if one of the phones is used to report a COVID-19 diagnosis, the other phones that were close by receive an alert of possible exposure to COVID-19.
To learn more about MD COVID Alert, click here. To view FAQs for the notification system, click here. You can also send questions to mdh.mdcovidalert@maryland.gov, or call the MDH Call Center at 877-319-1525, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Report COVID-19 Safety Protocol Violations to the Ambassador Compliance Team
 We want to thank all of our County businesses who continue to do an outstanding job of following COVID-19 safety protocols. If residents see a business that is not following COVID-19 safety protocols, such as enforcing the wearing of face coverings by employees and customers, please call 311 to report that business. Our COVID-19 Ambassador Compliance Team will perform an unannounced visit to investigate, and we will take appropriate actions as necessary.
COVID-19 Testing
 We want to remind residents that free COVID-19 testing is available through the County Health Department, with several testing locations available across the County. There are also multiple testing sites across the County not operated by our Health Department, many of which also offer free testing. If you need a test, please make a plan to get a test. To view COVID-19 testing sites operated by the County Health Department, click here. To find a full list of all testing sites in the County, please use our testing site locator.
Utility Scam Awareness Day
 November 18, 2020 marked Utility Scam Awareness Day, a national date created to help raise awareness about scammers who pose as utility company employees. There has been an increase in utility scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, and utility companies typically see an increase in scams around the holiday season. Common scams typically involve a scammer calling a resident and threatening to cut off their utilities unless they provide personal information, such as a social security number or bank account number.
Learn more about common utility scams and find several helpful tips to identify scams on Pepco’s website.
New Appointees Sworn in To Several Prince George’s County Boards & Commissions
New members of several Boards and Commissions being sworn into office.
Several new Board and Commission members were officially sworn into office after being confirmed by the County Council. Mr. Chris Lawson was reappointed to serve on the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. He recently served as Chair of this bi-county commission.
Ms. Llamilet Gutierrez, Esq., will serve on the Human Relations Commission, which is dedicated to eliminating discriminatory practices within Prince George’s County.
The Art in Public Places Panel welcomes two new appointees, Ms. Carol Rhodes Dyson and Mr. Eric Key. Both are well versed in the world of art and are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for artists.
The Commission for Individuals with Disabilities focuses on bringing together businesses, citizens and the Prince George’s County Government to discuss and resolve disability issues in the County. Ms. Amber Woods was appointed to her first term. Ms. Veronica L. Davila-Steele and Mr. Eugene A. “Tony” Langbehn were reappointed.
Finally, four individuals were appointed to the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, which works directly with our Housing Authority to oversee and resolve issues with public housing in the County. The newest Commissioners are Mr. Euron Blackwell, Mr. W. Marshall Knight, II, Ms. Regina M. Nadir and Mr. Brett A. Theodos.
Please join us in congratulating all of these Prince Georgians, who we know will do an excellent job of serving the residents of Prince George’s County in their respective roles.
12 Days of Giving
 The Office of Community Relations is hosting its 2nd Annual 12 Days of Giving from December 1-12, 2020. 12 Days of Giving was started in 2019 to celebrate and assist Prince Georgians in need during the holiday season. The event returns this year in a big way, reaching residents across districts and demographics, to continue spreading holiday cheer to those who need it most.
Each day of the event is themed and aimed to meet the needs of participating recipients. 12 Days of Giving is made possible through the generous donations of participating County businesses and agencies. On behalf of the Office of Community Relations, we’d like to wish every Prince George’s County resident a happy holiday season. Together, we are Prince George’s Proud!
311 on the Go! Community Visit Recap in Bladensburg
 The Office of Community Relations’ (OCR) 311 on the Go! team conducted a community visit in the Kenilworth section of Bladensburg to see firsthand how they could assist with addressing community concerns. Community members were concerned about a huge tour bus, which was parked on a narrow residential street. OCR worked with the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Revenue Authority’s Abandoned Vehicle Unit and the Office of Law to help remove the tour bus from the street, improving the quality of life for members of the community.
If you would like to get in touch with OCR’s 311 on the Go! team, please call 301-952-4729 or email 311onthego@co.pg.md.us.
Office of Community Relations Distributes Community Toolkits
The Office of Community Relations’ Common Ownership Communities (COC) Division has compiled and distributed 2,000 Winter Community Toolkits for common ownership communities throughout Prince George’s County. The toolkits included gloves, lip balm, masks, flashlights, ice scrapers, and several County resources and materials. Communities that received toolkits include Regency Meadows, Cameron Grove, Montpelier Hills, Hall Station, Balk Hill Village, Melwood Park, Norbourne Park, Equestrian Estates, Watkins Park, Stonegate at Marlton, Town Center at Marlton, Brandywine at Marlton, Fairwood Homeowners Association and Diamond Springs.
If your common ownership community wishes to participate in the Spring Community Toolkit Program, please contact Danielle Booz at DABooz@co.pg.md.us.
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Eliminating HIV: A Virtual Town Hall Event
Prince George’s County is on the path to making history in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The County is part of a bold national initiative to end the HIV epidemic in the United States, with the goal of reducing new infections by 75% in five years and at least 90% over the next decade.
Join host Allison Seymour of WUSA-TV and featured panelist Joe Clair, host of WPGC’s “Joe Clair Morning Show”, for a fascinating and emotional live discussion online Monday, November 30 at 12 noon. Explore how HIV has affected our communities and learn how the County is working to end the HIV epidemic.
The forum will also feature public health experts to answer your questions about HIV/AIDS and provide important information you can use in your communities to help us Cancel HIV. Register today for this free virtual discussion by texting ELIMINATE to 65047 by Tuesday, November 24.
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Thanksgiving Day Holiday Waste Collection Schedule
 County Government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, 2020, in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Regular trash and recycling collections for Thursday, November 26 will be moved to Friday, November 27, and regular trash and recycling collections for Friday, November 27 will be moved to Saturday, November 28. All other collections remain on schedule.
Submit Your Nominations for the Waste Diversion and Recycling Awards
 Prince George’s County Department of the Environment (DoE), in partnership with Keep Prince George’s County Beautiful (KPGCB), will present the Annual 2020 Waste Diversion and Recycling Awards Virtual Ceremony on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Any individual can self-nominate or submit a nomination for Prince George’s County commercial businesses, schools or other entities that have demonstrated exceptional achievements in recycling and waste diversion to advance the mission of DoE and KPGCB.
The 2020 nomination form must be submitted on behalf of the nominee, including all relevant and supporting documentation before midnight on Monday, November 30, 2020. To access the nomination form, click here (please note the nomination deadline was extended, which was previous November 23, 2020). Once complete, please send your nomination, including the form and all supporting documentation, to htregister@co.pg.md.us. Questions regarding the process can be directed to 301-883-5843.
Pumpkin Composting
 It’s that time of year again! Compost your bio-degradable decorations like pumpkins, dried corn, hay and straw with your curbside organic collections on Mondays in November. Items should be placed curbside for pickup. Pumpkins are not required to be bagged, but paper lawn/leaf bags must be used if residents choose to bag their items for collection.
District Heights Veterans Park Dedication
 On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, a ribbon cutting for the new District Heights Veterans Park was held in the City of District Heights. The memorial park, which sits at the intersection of Kipling Pkwy. and Gateway Blvd., was erected to be a symbol of recognition and honor to veterans, living or deceased, who have lived in the City of District Heights. The Veterans Park features brick pavers with the names of District Heights veterans, monuments representing the five major military branches, and three flag poles with the American, State of Maryland and City of District Heights flags. The small ribbon cutting ceremony was broadcast on Good Morning Washington through WJLA/ABC7.
FSC First Receives $500,000 from the Citi Foundation
FSC First is proud to announce that they have been selected to receive $500,000 from the Citi Foundation! This funding will allow FSC First to address changing needs and continue serving minority-owned small businesses and impacted communities in Prince George's County. In June, the Citi Foundation issued a $15 million open request for proposals (RFP) aimed at supporting Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) serving small businesses owned by people of color and low- and moderate-income individuals and communities.
FSC First is a CDFI, statewide SBA 504 Certified Development Company and SBA 7(a) Community Lender that provides direct loans and grants to minority-owned small businesses, including Black and Latinx small business owners. Learn more about the Citi Foundation fund and recipients here.
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World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
A wreath was placed on several Vision Zero Prince George's signs throughout the County.
For World Day of Remembrance on November 15, 2020, Vision Zero Prince George’s partnered with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s (MWCOG) Street Smart Campaign to display a “Lives Shatter on Impact Testimonial Wall” at the Mall at Prince George’s. The campaign raises awareness about pedestrian and bicycle safety and reinforces that the loss of even one life or serious injury from traffic-related crashes on our roads is unacceptable. The “Lives Shatter on Impact Testimonial Wall” provided visitors the opportunity to read testimonials from those affected by deadly and serious crashes.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed annually to memorialize victims who have died in traffic-related incidents and is used as a tool in the global effort to reduce these tragedies. It is estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 1.35 million road traffic deaths annually. Vision Zero Prince George’s has an aggressive goal of achieving zero fatalities by 2040.
Wreaths were also placed on Vision Zero Prince George’s signs throughout the County where Vision Zero Capital Improvement Projects are underway, as well as at the display at the Mall at Prince George’s. You can help make Prince George’s County roadways safer by taking the Vision Zero Safety Pledge at visionzeroprincegeorges.com.
Winter Festival of Lights
 The Prince George’s County Department of Parks & Recreation is hosting the Winter Festival of Lights from Friday, November 27, 2020 through Friday, January 1, 2021, from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM daily. Bring a little twinkle to your holidays at this spectacular drive-thru event featuring dazzling displays with more than 2.5 million lights throughout Watkins Regional Park. Learn more and reserve your tickets here.
Office of Information Technology Continues to Enhance County Government Technology
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) continues efforts to implement technology capabilities that expand and enhance the County’s ability to work virtually. Recently they expanded electronic signature and online faxing solutions available to agencies. The electronic signature platform (E-Sign) provides a legal, secure way for signing and/or certifying authenticity of critical documents from anywhere with a few clicks. E-Sign has improved efficiency and processing times for documents and is an integral function in the new SPEED e-procurement system through the Office of Central Services.
OIT has also implemented an online fax solution called eFax, giving County agencies the ability to send and receive faxes from a computer, mobile device or email account. By implementing this automated service, fax machines and the associated analog telephone lines can be retired, which will result in a cost savings for the County Government.
These capabilities are expanding the County Government’s digital footprint and allowing our agencies to be more responsive to the needs of our residents.
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Takeout Tuesday Series Features The Hall CP
 Our Economic Development Corporation continues their “Takeout Tuesday” series, highlighting local restaurants across Prince George’s County. Check out their latest video, which features The Hall CP in College Park, founded by an alumnus of the University of Maryland, College Park. Watch the video here.
Proud Partners of Stand Up & Deliver
 We are Prince George’s Proud of all our partners who continue to support the Stand Up & Deliver program. We want to thank partners like Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr., Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning and Ebenezer A.M.E. Church for their continued support of our efforts. Check out our video featuring Ebenezer A.M.E. Church here.
NEWS: Prince George’s County Launches On-Demand Neighborhood Transit Service
 We recently launched Prince George’s Link, an on-demand transit service that works similar to rideshare services. This pilot program in the Fort Washington area will allow residents to access flexible and affordable public transportation. Learn more about this new pilot program through a recent article in WTOP.
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