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#ENewsYouCanUse
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Greetings District 6 Residents,
I hope you are remain safe and sound while Prince George's County continues to tackle the COVID-19 crisis head on.
It is hard to believe that it has been one year since COVID-19 made its appearance in our great state. Since then, our lives in have been transformed in ways never imagined. However, we continue the fight against this debilitating virus and remain hopeful for protection in the next phase of recovery.
In solidarity with Maryland’s Day of Remembrance recognizing the anniversary of the first COVID case in Maryland, the County hosted its own virtual Day of Remembrance in Prince George’s County on March 5, 2021. The Capital Wheel and Jumbotron at National Harbor were lit with amber lights this evening to honor the lives of Prince Georgians we have lost to this terrible virus.
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To view the County’s virtual video tribute, please visit the County's YouTube channel or click on the COVID Day of Remembrance graphic above.
Please note that the County’s current focus remains on ensuring that those individuals that fall within Phase 1a and Phase 1B are vaccinated. I advise all residents to pre-register to receive the vaccine by visiting the following link: https://bit.ly/PGCVaccineForm.
Once residents are eligible to receive the vaccine, residents will be contacted by the Prince George's County Health Department.
While many of us desire to receive the vaccine, there are also those who remain hesitant and skeptical to their effectiveness.
- The vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson – do not contain any live virus.
- You cannot catch COVID-19 from getting the vaccine.
- Your best protection against the virus is getting vaccinated.
Know the truth about COVID-19 vaccines by visiting our COVID-19 Section towards the bottom of the page to review the full length Myth vs. Fact flyer and reviewing the latest edition of the COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin.
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The rollout has been difficult from top to bottom but PLEASE don't let that discourage you. Please note that your County officials continue to work through the leadership, managerial, and administrative faux paus that we've experienced so WE can get to OUR NEW NORMAL! In the meantime, I can't stress the importance of continuing to distance, mask, wash, sanitize, and please vaccinate when the opportunity is made available.
Please continue to visit the Prince George's COVID-19 Dashboard, designed to providing the latest information on COVID-19 data trends to the public. The Prince George's Health Department is working closely with state and federal partners and is committed to keeping all residents, employees, and visitors to Prince George’s County safe and healthy. Additional guidance can be found on the County's official Coronavirus web portal including fact sheets and various infographics to assist in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Prince George’s County Health Department Coronavirus hotline at (301) 883-6627 to receive updated information about the coronavirus disease.
Please be assured that as further developments are made available, the District 6 team will inform our residents through our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and our electronic newsletter. Stay safe. Stay well. Stay informed.
May God continue to Bless and Keep US ALL.
 Derrick Leon Davis Council Member, District 6 Prince George's County Council
County Council Updates
Council Connection (week ending 3/6/2021)
Residents,
Have you signed up to receive Council Connection, the weekly wrap up of Council activity? To subscribe and to read the latest edition of Council Connection in its entirety, please visit the following weblink: http://ow.ly/qAr530rzysV.
Council Connection Highlights include:
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Council Committee of the Whole (COW) Convenes Virtually for General Assembly Updates; Receives Briefing on "Power, Privilege and Peril: Governing in Prince George's County - A Regional Perspective" The Council Committee of the Whole (COW), convened on Tuesday, March 2nd, to discuss the Council’s position on proposed statewide and local bills under consideration in the 2021 Maryland General Assembly Session, including measures addressing County Affairs, criminal justice, gaming, and the environment. WATCH Tuesday’s COW
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County Council Task Force and Work Group Updates to include Prince George’s County Responsible Legacy Task Force, the Prince George’s County Food Security Task Force, and the Prince George’s Climate Action Commission.
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County Executive Angela Alsobrooks Provides COVID Vaccine Update; County Continues Setting Record Weekly Totals for COVID-19 Vaccines Administered READ the press release. WATCH the County Executive’s press conference.
Please take note of the following schedule of upcoming County Council virtual meetings/sessions.
March 08 - Council sitting as District Council - 10:00 AM Agenda
March 08 - County Council - 11:30 AM Details
March 09 - Council sitting as Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM Details
March 09 - County Council -11:30 AM Public Notice
March 09 - Council sitting as District Council - 6:00 PM Agenda
March 10 - Zoning Hearing Examiner - 9:30 AM Agenda
March 11 - Council sitting as Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM Details
March 12- Re-Entry Advisory Board - 10:30 AM Details
Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page.
Prince George's County Council Hosts the FY22 Budget Process Virtual Town Hall Meeting
On March 2, 2021, the Prince George's County Council hosted a virtual town hall meeting for residents to learn more about the County’s current financial status and the fiscal outlook for the upcoming budget season, an overview of the Council’s Budget Review and Adoption process.
In accordance with County Charter, the County Executive must submit a proposed FY 2022 spending plan to the Council by March 15. The Council will then begin its review process in a series of committee work sessions and public hearings. The Council must adopt a new and balanced spending plan on or before June 1.
Important calendar dates for budget meetings and public hearings will be provided, and participants will have an opportunity to address Council Members and share their FY 2022 budget concerns and priorities.
To watch the Town Hall Meeting and to view budget presentations, please click on the embeded link or click on the Budget FY22 banner above.
COVID-19 Vaccination Updates from Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks
The Office of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin, which provides transparent updates on our County’s vaccine distribution process and includes the latest numbers on vaccine supply and the pre-registration list.
Highlights:
- The 8,400 first doses we received from the State last week were out the door and into the arms of residents by Monday of this week, so within a week of receiving them. We did provide 1,750 of those doses to our partners, Luminis Health and MedStar Southern Maryland, to help vaccinate County residents.
- The first doses we received this week will be out the door and into the arms of residents by next Monday, again within a week of receiving them.
- We can administer more than 2,000 vaccines per day through our County Health Department. Right now, we have only averaged 1,564 vaccines per day for the last ten days, due to a lack of supply of first doses.
- Our mobile vaccination units vaccinated 478 pre-registered seniors last week. This week, we returned to Cameron Grove Senior Facility and visited a domestic violence shelter, vaccinating 282 residents. Yesterday and today, we vaccinated homebound seniors.
- The Sports & Learning vaccination clinic will close from March 13-28 and reopen on March 29, due to scheduled maintenance at the facility.
- To maintain vaccination capacity, we will open two new sites, the Kentland Community Center on March 8 and the Cedar Heights Community Center on March 15. We hope to continue operating these sites even after Sports & Learning reopens.
- We have issued tens of thousands of appointments to individuals in Phases 1A and 1B on our pre-registration list through our new scheduling system. As a reminder, residents will now receive an appointment date, time and location from our Health Department, rather than a link to schedule an appointment.
- We received our first shipment of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. This new vaccine is both safe and effective (more information is below).
Vaccine Administration
Currently, the vaccination capacity at our County Health Department’s clinics, including mobile clinics, is more than 2,000 people per day. However, the number of vaccinations provided is dependent on the supply we receive from the State.
- The County Health Department received 4,800 first doses and 3,100 second doses this week, in addition to 1,400 doses of the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine that only requires a single dose.
- We administered 7,963 vaccines through our Health Department last week, a record weekly total. As of yesterday, we have already exceeded that record total for this week, administering 9,002 vaccines from Sunday through Thursday.
- To date, the County has received 53,850 doses of vaccines, and has administered 46,304 of those doses (approximately 86%). This metric (percentage of vaccine administered) changes day to day as new vaccine shipments come in and the number of second dose vaccines waiting to be given are administered in the days ahead.
- Out of the vaccines we have not administered, 1,992 are first doses and 5,235 are second doses. We expect to utilize the remainder of our first dose supply by Monday, March 8, within a week of receiving that supply.
- We received the Johnson & Johnson shipment on March 2, but we first had to upload the information into our registration system to be able to properly record doses administered. That is now done, and we will begin utilizing those vaccines at our clinics and via our mobile vans.
- We are scheduled to receive at least 4,400 first dose vaccines from the State next week, which we will get out to Prince Georgians. The State will not receive a shipment of Johnson & Johnson vaccines next week. We do not expect to receive any additional supply of that single-dose vaccine for a week or more.
To view this week's COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin, click on the graphic to the left or visit the following weblink: http://ow.ly/zr4L30ryBaf.
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Constituent Resources
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Prince George's Emergency Rental Assistance Program Relaunch
Residents,
Due to a new round of funding, we will relaunch our Emergency Rental Assistance Program this Thursday, March 4. Landlords may apply on behalf of tenants experiencing financial difficulties due to the pandemic.
Tenants may also apply directly if their landlord will not apply for funding on their behalf. To learn more and begin gathering documents needed for the application, visit: hcd.mypgc.us.
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Food Resources
Stand Up & Deliver
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 62% of our County’s public school children received free and reduced lunch. Since this pandemic began, more than 90,000 residents have been laid off from work.
This has further compounded challenges and increased the limitations for many families to provide meals daily. Additionally, our first responders and medical professionals who are fighting on the front lines of this pandemic rarely have an opportunity to stop serving and purchase a meal.
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With numerous goodwill inquiries, calls, and emails from the community-at-large to lend a helping hand and safely assist where needed, the “Stand Up & Deliver” program was been established. It is an innovative and targeted solution to build capacity for community-based organizations and small businesses to address the food insecurity and basic needs of our fellow Prince Georgians.
Through the County’s Stand Up & Deliver program, Prince George’s County will distribute groceries and meals to go today, Saturday, March 6, 11:00am, at LOVE A.M.E. Church (1401 Mercantile Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774) and Sunday, March 7, 10:00am, at Community of Hope (3701 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20748).
To view details for this week's event, please click on the event flyers to the left. Be sure to follow Council District 6 on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for weekly updates on distribution dates, times and locations.
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Financial Assistance For WSSC Customers
Attention Residents,
WSSC has enhanced its financial assistance programs to extend its reach to more customers and make arrangements for customers to significantly reduce their WSSC Water bills.
Need help right now? Need long term assistance with your WSSC bill?
Contact WSSC's Customer Service Line at 301-206-4001. WSSC Customer Services Advisors are available to determine a payment option that will fit your situation. Learn more about bill adjustments, flexible payment options, the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and WSSC's Water Fund.
To learn more about WSSC Water’s customer financial assistance programs, please visit: www.wsscwater.com/assistance. For information in Spanish, please go to ww.wsscwater.com/asistencia. Click on the graphic above to view additional details and to download the flyer.
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Internet Essentials from COMCAST
An Internet connection at home is more important than ever. Bring affordable, high-speed Internet home so you’re ready for anything.
For an affordable monthly price, Internet Essentials customers can enjoy the benefits of xFi Advanced Security, access to millions of X-finity WiFi hotspots outside the home, and the option to purchase a laptop or desktop computer for just $149.99 + tax.
2 months of free Internet Essentials service for new customers.
To apply, visit www.InternetEssentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. Offer ends on June 30, 2021.
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Business Resources
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County Restaurants are Encouraged to Register for the Dine Prince George's Contest
ATTENTION COUNTY RESTAURANTS!
Enter your restaurant for a chance to win up to $3,000 in the Dine Prince George's Restaurant Contest! It takes less than 5 minutes to enter and you have multiple chances to win.
Entry Period: March 1st -13th Voting Starts: Monday, March 15th
For more information and to enter, click the flyer to the left or visit www.PGCEDC.com/dineprincegeorges.
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Learn More About the Maryland Commuter Tax Credit
Did you know that Maryland businesses, 501c3, and 501c4 organizations are eligible for a Commuter Tax Credit?
Employers that subsidize or provide commuter benefits to their employees including public/private transit, vanpools, Guaranteed Ride Home, or cash in lieu of parking, may claim 50% of the cost, up to $100 per employee per month.
That can generate a huge savings and help you provide affordable transportation options to your employees. The 2021 limit for pre-tax and/or subsidized transportation benefits is $270 per employee per month.
Need some help setting up a commuter benefits program for your organization? Contact the RideSmart Solutions program manager at info.pgcridesmartsolutions@co.pg.md.us today.
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Small Businesses Invited to Apply to COMCAST Rise
Recently, small businesses have been dealing with the ongoing impact of the pandemic, social unrest, and environmental events.
COMCAST has been working proactively to help its small business customers through its COMCAST Rise Program. Independent small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and today, more than ever, small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are hurting. Through the Comcast RISE Program, there is a goal to create sustainable impact and give meaningful support to the small businesses that are shaping communities.
To review eligibility requirements, visit or click on the COMCAST Rise graphic to the left to download the flyer.
Selected businesses will receive one or more of the following business services:
Consulting Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effective marketing, research, and creative teams to gain insights on how to grow your business.
Media A linear TV media schedule over a 90-day period.
Creative Production Turnkey production of a 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and 90-day media schedule.
Technology Makeover Computer equipment and Internet, voice and cybersecurity services for up to a 12 month period to support business recovery (Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover services).
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County Agency Resources
Department of Public Works & Transportation
Be sure to check out the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) February edition of "The Dispatch", DPW&T's monthly newsletter for those tips and other agency information: http://ow.ly/9GXa30ryBMs. In this edition, residents can find information regarding the agency's DPW&T and Partners deployment for snow operations, DPW&T's recognition as the 2020 Maryland Quality Asphalt Pavement Awards recipient and COVID-19 Updates.
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Vision Zero Prince George's and You! Winter is an especially dangerous time of the year because of low visibility conditions. Make sure you are seen and safe when walking by wearing bright reflective clothing, carrying a flashlight, and using crosswalks. Put your phone away and stay alert!
Click on the graphic to the left to view additional details and to download the flyer. More information can be accessed by reviewing the latest edition of The Dispatch Newsletter
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Department of Environment
Be sure to check out the Department of Department of Environment's (DoE) latest edition of "The Sprout", DoE's monthly newsletter for those tips and other agency information: http://ow.ly/yAfz30ryBFe.
In this edition, residents can find information regarding the agency's process for curbside bulky, regular trash, and recycling collections in severe weather conditions.
Please bookmark this newsletter for future reference.
Prince George’s County Beautification Committee
The Prince George’s County Beautification Committee is now accepting applications for the 2021 Prince George’s County Beautification Awards.
Through the Beautification Awards Program, Prince George’s County honors those who have contributed to the community through excellence in gardening and landscape design. The Beautification Committee is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the preservation of Prince George’s County as a healthy and pleasant place to live and work.
The Council District 6 Team would love to see our District 6 communities be recognized for their work throughout the County.
Additional information can be found at pgcbeautification.com. You can also access the site by clicking on the graphic to the left. Questions can also be directed to Prince George's County Beautification Committee member, Brooke Westby, by dialing 301-627-7758 or emailing pgc.beautification@gmail.com.
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Curbside Bulky Trash Collection Accepting April Appointments
Remember Residents! Items that are too big to fit in your trash bin won’t be hauled away in your regular curbside trash collection. Schedule your curbside bulky trash appointment today by calling 311 or visiting: bulkytrash.princegeorgescountymd.gov. To view a larger version of this flier, click the graphic to the left.
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#ProudToBeProtected: COVID-19 Resources
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Vaccine Messaging – Sign-Ups
In Maryland, there are several ways you can sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Pre-register with the County Health Department’s clinics at https://bit.ly/PGCVaccineForm. Text MDReady to 898-211 to receive appointment notifications for the State’s mass vaccination sites. Check the State’s vaccine locator to find local hospitals and pharmacies administering vaccines at https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine.
Please Note: Six Flags is a State-operated vaccination site, and the County does not control nor manage the scheduling of appointments.
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COVID-19 2nd Dose Appointments: What You Need To Know
What To Know
- As appointment become available based on vaccine supply, staff will follow up with individuals who have pre-registered to schedule appointments via phone.
- Due to limited supplies of vaccines, it may take several weeks or longer for eligible individuals to received appointments.
Current COVID-19 vaccines require two doses given several weeks apart. You should not receive your second dose earlier than recommended. The CDC advises second doses should be given as close as possible to the recommended timeframe since the first dose was administered.
For more information on the 2nd dose timing between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as well as details surrounding the 2nd dose appointment, click on the graphic to the left. Information and common questions about the newly released Johnson & Johnson can be found by viewing the following video narrated by Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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Vaccine Sites: Inclement Weather Policy
Residents, we are in the midst of Winter, where the forecasts change from week to week. To that end, appointments at County Health Department vaccination clinics may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
If appointments must be cancelled due to inclement weather:
- You will receive an email, text or phone call from the Health Department;
- Updates will be posted on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) (@cexalsobrooks & @pgchealth);
- Updates will be posted at mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine
If appointments are cancelled, everyone with an appointment will receive instructions to reschedule their appointment.
Click on the graphic to the left to view additional details and to download the flier.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Reminder
Residents,
If you receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointment link from our County Health Department, please do not share that link with family, friends and colleagues.
The Health Department uses the pre-registration list to send appointment links to eligible individuals as appointments become available based on vaccine supply.
What happens when you share your appointment link with your friends, family and colleagues? The Health Department must manually delete those individuals that are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine. When individuals who are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine schedule an appointment, this creates delays in scheduling individuals who are eligible, and also creates longer lines at our clinics. Click on the graphic to the left to view additional details and to download the flyer.
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Vaccine Appointment On Time
We know you are eager to get your COVID-19 vaccine so you can protect yourself, your loved ones and your fellow Prince Georgians. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes in advance of your scheduled appointment so the County can serve everyone efficiently.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Hotline
Seniors and others that wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine but have issues accessing the internet or utilizing technology, should call the County's COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Hotline.
Residents are encouraged to dial "311" and press "#" from 7:00am to 7:00pm, Monday - Friday.
Click on the flyer above for additional information.
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Scheduling Process for Vaccine Appointment in Prince George's County
Anyone who lives or works in Prince George's County that wishes to receive the COVID019 vaccine must fill out the County Health Department's pre-registration form: https://bit.ly/PGCVaccineForm.
When you are eligible to receive a vaccine based on the County's phased distribution plan AND appointments are available based on vaccine supply, the Health Department will send a link via email with instructions on how to schedule an appointment.
Please click on the above flyer to view additional details.
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SENIORS: What You Need To Know
To ensure an equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, there is a scheduling process for vaccine appointments in Prince George’s County. Anyone who lives or works in Prince George’s County that wishes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine must fill out the Health Department’s pre-registration form.
This includes individuals in Phases 1A, 1B or 1C who do not already have a vaccine appointment. The form is available at: bit.ly/PGCVaccineForm
Please click on the above flyer to view additional details.
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Myth vs. Fact: Know The Facts About the COVID-19 Vaccines
Can the vaccines give you the virus?
Will the COIVD-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
Why were the COVID-19 vaccines rushed?
Do I need to be vaccinated if I already had COVID-19?
These and other questions can be answered by clicking and downloading the Myth vs. Fact flyer above. Know the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines and share this information with your networks.
Click on the flyer above for additional information.
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WHY Do I Need To Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19. Vaccines are the best tool we have to protect you and your loved ones from this relentless virus.
Stopping this pandemic requires using all of the tools available including the vaccine, washing our hands often, wearing our masks and practicing social distancing by staying 6 feet away from other and limiting gatherings to people you live with.
Please click on the above flyer to view additional details on why the COVID-19 vaccine is so important to receive.
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REMINDER: Indoor Dining Ban Lifted, Business Compliance – Resident Reporting
 Due to a continued decrease in key COVID-19 metrics, the indoor dining ban in Prince George’s County has been lifted. Please review the flyer above for detailed information on the updated Phase 2 Guidelines.
Residents are encouraged to report any COVID-19 safety protocol violations in County businesses that are in violation via phone or email. The County’s COVID-19 Ambassador Compliance Team will then perform a site visit to follow-up on that concern.
Click on the flyer above for additional information.
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Contact Us!
Derrick Leon Davis Prince George's County Council Council District 6
Council District 6 Email: councildistrict6@co.pg.md.us District 6 Office: (301) 952-3426
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