Message from Chair Turner
Welcome to the November 2020 edition of the 4th District Legislative Email Newsletter. As Thanksgiving approaches, COVID-19 is surging our communities. We have all experienced what has come to be called “COVID fatigue,” but it is more important than ever that we remain vigilant and continue to wash our hands, wear a mask and social distance to stay safe and well, and protect others. As the holiday season is upon us, we are happy to share the following updates, events and programs available to you in the 4th District and throughout Prince George’s County.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Prince George’s County Updated Phase Two
Guidelines Based On State Actions
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has announced that the County is implementing updated Phase 2 guidelines for businesses and large gatherings, in response to recent increases in key COVID-19 metrics. This decision, which took effect on Sunday, November 15th, was made under the advice of County health officials after analyzing COVID-19 data and trends over the past few weeks.
As a result, all indoor public businesses or establishments already open under the County’s Phase 2 of reopening, except for essential businesses and retail stores, must reduce capacity limits to a maximum of 25% capacity. Restaurants are limited to 25% capacity indoors and 50% capacity outdoors. Essential businesses (grocery stores, specialty food stores, big box stores) and retail stores may operate at 50% capacity but with all safety protocols adhered to.
In addition, large gatherings indoors are limited to one person/family unit per 200 square feet or a maximum of 10 persons, whichever is lower. Outdoor gatherings are limited to one person/family unit per 200 square feet or a maximum of 25 persons, whichever is lower, unless otherwise specified in the Health Order. Finally, face coverings are now required outdoors in any public location in Prince George’s County. Face coverings are still required for all indoor public locations and on public transportation.
On November 17th, Governor Larry Hogan announced new measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. Measures previously announced by the County Executive remain in place for Prince George’s County. However, the following additional restriction began on Friday, November 20 at 5:00 PM - restaurants and food service establishments must close dine-in service at 10:00 PM, and nursing home and hospital visitation is limited statewide.
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MD COVID Alert
 The Maryland Department of Health has launched MD COVID Alert, a program that allows Maryland residents to receive COVID-19 exposure notifications on your smartphones. Please click here to learn more about this program, how it protects your privacy, and how to set it up on your smartphone.
Thanksgiving Is Coming – Holiday Season Safety Tips
The holiday season is upon us. Plan ahead to protect yourself, your family and your community from COVID-19 when you celebrate November and December holidays including, but not limited to: Día de Los Muertos; Diwali; Kwanzaa; Thanksgiving; Hanukkah; Christmas; and New Year’s Eve. The Prince George’s County Health Department strongly recommends NOT holding large family gatherings. Any type of celebration must include everyone wearing masks, distancing at least six feet from one another, regular hand sanitizing and disinfection of high-touch surfaces. For more information, please click here.
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Employ Prince George’s Hourly Employee Relief Fund
Employ Prince George’s, the County’s workforce development agency, announced that the COVID-19 Hourly Employee Relief Fund is now distributing $300 visa cash cards to County residents whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19. Residents who previously received a cash card but remain unemployed can now apply again. Please click here to apply.
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COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATES
County Council Concludes 2020 Legislative Session
The County Council convened virtually for its final legislative session of Legislative Year 2020 on November 17th. The Council will meet on December 1, 2020, for the Exchange of the Gavel, and schedule a December date to convene in response to COVID-19.
“This has been a challenging Legislative Year for the Council and the residents we are privileged to represent. I commend my Council colleagues, and the Legislative Branch staff, for a very successful year of work on behalf of Prince Georgians. In collaboration with County Executive Alsobrooks and her administration, we were able to enact legislation that improves quality of life for County residents, and addresses the issues that concern us all, especially during this time of crisis.”
For highlights of the final session, please read the Council’s press release by clicking here.
County Council Hosts Maryland Department of Transportation Officials
For Virtual Statewide Transportation Investment Tour
The Prince George’s County Council hosted the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Gregory Slater, and MDOT representatives on November 5, 2020 for the annual Statewide Transportation Investment Tour. During the annual meeting, held virtually due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, Secretary Slater and other Maryland transportation officials outlined the state’s investments, the impacts of COVID-19 on transportation and answered questions posed by State and County officials and residents, about transportation priorities in Prince George’s County.
Each fall, MDOT conducts tours of all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City, to share and receive comment on the Draft FY 2021-2026 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), which details MDOT’s $13.4 billion six-year capital budget. MDOT then prepares a final budget to present to the General Assembly in January. As part of the process, the County approved a Transportation Priority letter to the State and General Assembly highlighting those projects and issues to be addressed by MDOT. For a copy of the letter, please click on this link.
During my comments on transportation impacts all Prince Georgians, I stated that: “The Statewide Transportation Investment Tour is particularly timely this year as the County faces a series of transportation challenges and opportunities. We heard directly from Secretary Slater and other state transportation officials concerning how various projects will be prioritized by the state, and ways we might work together to effectively address the transportation needs of our residents.
County Announces Restaurant Resiliency Fund Program
The Prince George’s County COVID-19 Restaurant Resiliency Fund, an appropriation of $6 million in State CARES Act funding allocated to the County to assist restaurants and food service establishments adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis, IS NOW OPEN! Businesses may receive a grant up to $25,000 to support COVID-related costs including personal protection equipment (PPE), winterization for outdoor seating, interior improvements to support social distancing, expenses to create or expand takeout/ carryout and/or delivery services, marketing, and operating expenses (rent, payroll, inventory, insurance, utilities. The Restaurant Resiliency grants will promote long-term sustainability and resiliency of businesses operations, support COVID-19 safety measures, and support businesses operating at reduced capacity. Apply today before the December 18th deadline. Please click here to apply.
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Due to the global pandemic, we are still serving you remotely. Please continue to reach out to my office with your needs, questions or concerns, and we will respond. For more important updates, including information on the County’s continued response to COVID-19, please follow me on my official Council Facebook page. Have a happy, safe and socially distanced Thanksgiving holiday.
I am Sincerely Yours in Service,
 Hon. Todd M. Turner
Council Chair
4th Council District |
