#ENewsYouCanUse | COVID-19 Vaccine Updates, UPDATED: Community Forums, County Agency Updates

Greetings District 6 Residents,

I hope this message finds you doing well, safe and enjoying the first sightings of Spring. On Monday, March 23, Prince George’s County entered Phase 2A for vaccine distribution. While the County continues to prioritize seniors in Phase 1 who have not been vaccinated, individuals eligible in Phase 2A will now be able to receive appointments if they have pre-registered.

Many of us have been full vaccinated or have received our first dose of the COVID-19, signaling a sense of ease and comfort in knowing that we can truly begin the process of discovering what our new normal will look like; slowly but surely.  HOWEVER, the fight is far from over. We must encourage our family, friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.  Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 not only protects you, but also your loved ones and our community. Make sure you pre-register with the County Health Department so you can receive your vaccination appointment when it’s your turn: https://covid19vaccination.princegeorgescountymd.gov/

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 as well as our District 6 COVID-19 Resource section towards the bottom of this newsletter.  Residents will find a number of helpful infographics on pre-registering/obtaining the vaccine, helpful information to distinguish the facts versus the myths behind the COVID-19 vaccine and what to expect once you become eligible to receive the vaccine.

I encourage you to scroll to the bottom of the District 6 E-Blast to access many of the infographics and helpful resources provided by the Prince George's County Health Department.  You should also bookmark the Prince George's COVID-19 Dashboard to review the latest information on COVID-19 data trends to the public. 

While some restrictions have been lifted, we can not relax our efforts in getting the pandemic under control.  We must stay vigilant by practicing social distancing and our daily hygiene regimens. Please continue to stay at least six feet apart from others.  We all have our role to play in keeping our communities safe; look for one another; family members, neighbors, friends, especially our seniors, and those with comprised immune systems and respiratory illnesses. 

LET'S COMMIT TO....

• Getting vaccinated;
• Getting pre-registered;
• Washing our hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• Wearing masks and face coverings; to assist in preventing the spread of the virus, especially
  in areas where it is hard to maintain social distancing, such as grocery stores and pharmacies;
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water
  are not available;
  
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Please be assured that as further developments are made available, the District 6 team will continue to use this platform as well as our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to provide you with the most up to date information.

In addition to our weekly COVID-19 updates, I encourage all residents to review the sections below for information on upcoming community events/forums/initiatives taking place.  The virtual space during this pandemic has provided a greater level of access for many residents become engaged.   

May God continue to Bless and Keep US ALL. Stay safe.  Stay well.  Stay informed.

COUNCIL CONNECTION SPOTLIGHT:
Groundbreaking Legislation Expands County's Economic Development Opportunities

The County Council, during session on Tuesday, March 16^th, enacted CB-001-2021, legislation defining a new use, Qualified Data Centers, in the Prince George’s Zoning Ordinance and permitting the use in specified zones. Qualified Data Centers are used to house computer systems, computer storage equipment, and associated infrastructure that businesses or other organizations use to organize, process, store, and disseminate large amounts of data. District 6 Council Member Derrick L. Davis, sponsor of the legislation, says the measure bolsters economic growth and job creation in Prince George’s County.  “Council Bill - 001 supports the County’s broader economic development strategy by attracting Qualified Data Centers, which provide additional jobs and expand the County’s commercial tax base. Technological innovations are rapidly changing our national economy, and Prince George’s County must adapt and keep pace. This legislation levels the playing field and enables Prince George’s County to fully benefit from the opportunities Qualified Data Centers present.”  State and County legislation passed last year provided important tax incentives and streamlined the entitlement process, positioning Prince George’s County to compete for data centers that could exceed $1billion in private investment. Currently, Northern Virginia is the largest market for data center space in the nation, with an estimated 70-percent of the world’s Internet traffic flowing through data centers within the state.

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II Responds To County Executive Selection For New Prince George's County Chief Of Police

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, participated in County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ press conference on Friday, March 26th, announcing her selection for the next Prince George’s County Chief of Police – Dallas Deputy Police Chief Malik Aziz.   The County Executive announced that the new police chief will begin his work in the County on May 9th.

FY 2022 Budget Public Hearings 

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for upcoming Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Public Hearings. There is a budget public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. 

VISIT the Council’s FY 22 Budget Portal for more information about how to participate in the Council’s Budget and Review Process.

Pursuant to the County Charter, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks transmitted her proposed $4.5 Billion spending plan for Prince George’s County to the County Council on Thursday, March 11^th.  WATCH the County Executive’s press conference on YouTube. 

Thanking the County Executive and encouraging residents to participate in the Council’s Budget Review and Adoption Process over the next few months, Council Chair Hawkins responded to receipt of the proposed County Budget, “We look forward to working together with the County Executive, and our residents and all stakeholders, to produce a final FY22 County Budget that emphasizes our shared priorities, strengthens our communities, and that guides our recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus global pandemic on our County.”  Read Council Chair Hawkins' statement on the transmittal of the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget.   

Click on the graphic above to view additional details and to download the flyer.

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

Vaccine Administration

• Earlier this week the County surpassed 200,000 total vaccinations provided to residents, reaching almost 250,000 total vaccinations provided to residents.
• Our older adult population continues to be the County's priority population with regards COVID-19 vaccinations.  So far, 69.9% of all seniors 85 and older, 74.5% of seniors ages 75 – 84, and 72.2% of seniors ages 65-74, that have pre-registered with the county Health Department have received at least one dose of vaccine. Please continue to encourage and ensure that the seniors in your life are pre-registered.
• Given the increase in vaccine supply, the County will likely start to move more quickly through our pre-registration list. Those in later phases will likely not have to wait as long to receive their vaccine. Every resident is encouraged to pre-register today for their vaccine appointment by visiting mypgc.us/ProudtobeProtected.
• Finally, the Sports & Learning vaccination clinic reopening will have to be pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances. All appointments at the Sports & Learning clinic on March 29th and March 30th will be relocated to another site and/or rescheduled to the nearest possible open appointment. If you had an appointment for that date at the Sports & Learning clinic, please check your email, including your Junk/Spam folder.
  
  

Vaccine Supply & Administration 

In order to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through the Prince George’s County Health Department, individuals who live or work in the County must complete the County's pre-registration form.

• Last week our Health Department provided over 8,900 vaccinations, including nearly 7,600 first doses.
• This week we have already provided over 6,900 vaccinations.
• To date, the County has received 83,660 vaccines, and has administered 72,934 of those doses (approximately 87.2%). 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.
• We are scheduled to receive 8,790 first and single doses next week. We have been informed that we will receive at least that many first and single doses each week through the week of April 19.

Stay updated with the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine using the following tools:

The COVID-19 Data Dashboard: Stay informed of the progress the County is making with vaccine distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Latest Updates: The latest updates will be posted at mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

Communications Toolkit: Help us spread the word about COVID-19 vaccines to family and friends so we can ensure every Prince Georgian is Proud to be Protected.

To view this week's COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin, click on the graphic above or visit the following weblink: http://ow.ly/TCiN30rAu6m.

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.

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.

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 27 and Sunday, March 28 at multiple locations throughout the county.

• LOVE A.M.E. Church (1401 Mercantile Lane (Parking Lot) (Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774), 11:00am
• Community of Hope AME Church (3701 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, Maryland 20748), 10:00am

To view details for this week's event, please click on the event flyer above.  Be sure to follow Council District 6 on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for weekly updates on distribution dates, times and locations.

PEPCO News on Good Neighbor
Energy Fund to Help Customers in Need

Pepco is encouraging customers to participate in the company’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund to support District of Columbia and Maryland customers in need. Introduced last year by Pepco, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund is an easy way for customers, who are in good standing on their account and have the financial means to do so, to help their fellow customers who may be behind on their energy bills. 

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund consists of customer donations, made up of Pepco customers paying $1 over their monthly energy bill or by making a donation directly to participating non-profit organizations, the Greater Washington Urban League in the District of Columbia and Interfaith Works and Mary's Center in Maryland. Customer contributions are matched, $1 for every $1 collected by Pepco—up to $100,000. 

For more information on how to make a contribution to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, District customers can visit pepco.com/DCgnef and Maryland customers can visit pepco.com/MDgnef. 

Additionally, Pepco is committed to helping customers manage their energy needs, working as a proactive partner in raising awareness about the many important energy assistance opportunities available through the company. In 2020, Pepco’s efforts helped more than 36,000 customers secure more than $26 million in energy assistance.

The most important step that residential customers who are past due on their Pepco bill can take is to contact the company at 202-833-7500 or pepco.com/help as soon as possible. Customers should never wait until they are in crisis to contact Pepco.

To further support customers and communities across the District and Maryland, Pepco has provided nearly $3.5 million in contributions of shareholder dollars to help those in need, including support to local emergency funds, small businesses and students impacted by the pandemic. In June 2020, Pepco announced that it would provide $400,000 to support students at The University of the District of Columbia, Montgomery College and Prince George’s Community College. The company also announced expanded support for local business recovery by providing grants totaling $850,000 to relief funds supporting small businesses that are struggling due to the effects of the pandemic.

To learn more about Pepco, visit The Source, our online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting pepco.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Pepco’s mobile app is available at pepco.com/mobileapp.   

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.

Virtual Meeting Around MD 4
(Pennsylvania Avenue) at MD 337 (Suitland Parkway) Interchange Project (4/8/2021)

The Maryland Department of Transportation State
Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) invites residents
to a Virtual Informational Update Meeting regarding
the MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) at MD 337 (Suitland Parkway) Interchange Project on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 from 6:30-pm-8:30pm.

Zoom Details:
To join the Zoom virtual meeting on April 6, use the following weblink: https://zoom.us/j/99263564889?pwd=OUdjT1UvQy9NWDFxYS9ESUVuSDlCdz09

Meeting ID: 992 6356 4889
Passcode: 063621



One tap mobile:
+13017158592, 99263564889#
US (Maryland/Washington DC)

Dial by your location:
+1 301 715 8592 US (Maryland/DC)

MDOT SHA officials will provide an update regarding the MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) at MD 337 (Suitland Parkway) Interchange Project. This project has returned to the design phase to address issues with 
constructability and existing utilities. All construction has been halted to allow for this redesign process to continue.

The public is encouraged to send questions and comments in advance, as there will be time allotted to address comments and questions during the virtual meeting address them during the virtual meeting.

An online comment form is available on the Project Portal page (http://bit.ly/MDOTSHA-MD4-Interchange-MD337) under "Community Outreach and Newsletters" or via the QR code in the flyer posted above.  Please click on the flyer above to view and access a larger version.

For more information on this project, Ms. Mariefrance Guiteau, MDOT SHA Project Engineer, (410-545-8885, email: MGuiteau@mdot.maryland.gov).

DEADLINE EXTENDED:
Prince George’s County Neighborhood Planning Academy Survey

The Prince George’s County Planning Department is developing a Neighborhood Planning Academy. The Academy will provide a series of courses to help stakeholders like you become familiar with planning, zoning, and development processes and assure your ability to understand and participate in public meetings and hearings that influence planning decisions in your community.

You are invited to take a survey to help inform the creation of this program. The survey will take between 4-10 minutes to complete. If you have any questions about the Neighborhood Planning Academy, please contact Brittney Drakeford via email at Brittney.Drakeford@ppd.mncppc.org.
 
The deadline to complete this survey has been extended to Friday, April 2, at 11:59 p.m.

Best Practices Workshop for Providers
Serving the Members of the LGBTQI
Community (4/8/2021, 12:00pm)

The Prince George's County Department of Family Services invites service providers who service the members of the LGBTQI community to a best practices workshop.

Date: 
Thursday, April 8, 2021

Zoom Details:
To join the Zoom virtual meeting on April 8, enter in the following meeting ID and passcode.

Meeting ID: 844 4122 4357
Passcode: 790999

Workshop components will focus on developing policies and protocols to support the LGBTQI community, featuring Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley and Dr. Kamilah Majed as facilitators.

For more information, call 301-265-8423 or email NAHutton@co.pg.md.us.

Growing Green With Pride Community Beautification Event (5/1/2021)

Join County Executive Alsobrooks for a  "Growing Green With Pride", a Countywide community clean up program designed to support the County's Beautification Initiative to make our community cleaner by conducting individual community litter collection events. 

This beautification and street litter pickup activity provides an opportunity for community organizations, schools and businesses to partner with Prince George’s County Government to celebrate community pride, volunteerism and commitment to keeping our communities appealing and attractive.

All community organizations and groups are encouraged to participate. Additionally, Prince George’s County Public School students who would like to earn service learning hours by volunteering at the community clean up may request forms from their school’s guidance office and have them signed by the cleanup coordinator at their site.

IMPORTANT EVENT NOTES:　

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and out of an abundance of caution, we will utilize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) best practices by implementing a grab-n-go style pickup.
• Each group will be provided with gloves, trash bags, litter grabbers and safety vests.
• Participants will be asked to leave their filled trash bags along the curbside of the roadways that are identified to be cleaned. The Department of Public Works and Transportation will pick up the trash bags.

If your community or organization would like toto participate in the Spring 2021 Growing Green with Pride Day community cleanup event, visit the following link to register your group, homeowners or civic association:  https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentId=32408.

Please click on the flyer above to access and save a larger version of the document.  Be sure to distribute the flyer and encourage your community to participate.  Let's make Prince George's County shine all year round!

Community Partners Meeting (April 7, 2021)

Residents, be sure to register for the upcoming virtual Community Partners' Spring Meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. 

Community Partners' Meetings are held in collaboration with County staff from the offices of the Department of the Environment (DoE), Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) and the Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE) for citizens and residents of Prince George’s County.

All members of the public are invited to join this virtual public meeting.  To register, please visit the following weblink: http://ow.ly/ZLYr30rBo86.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

To ensure there is time to answer your questions during the meeting, please provide questions in advance by emailing Brittani Garner at BGarner@co.pg.md.us by April 5th.  There will be a Q & A after presentations.

Curbside Bulky Trash Collection
Accepting May 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.

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.

Prince George's County Arts Study
2021 Virtual Teen Forum

Art is what you make it!

Join the Prince George's County Cultural Arts Study Team for its Teen Forum for teens 13-18 years old, Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

TEENS WILL DISCUSS:

• How to make the County more creative and vibrant
• How to use arts and culture to energize neighborhoods
• How your involvement in arts and culture will impact the County's future

Register here: https://pgccasteenforum.eventbrite.com

#PGCCulturalArts

Summer Jobs for
Prince George's County Youth (Ages 14-22)

The Prince George's County Youth@Work Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) provides an opportunity for young people across the County to receive career development, job readiness training and employment.

This year’s program will include virtual learning opportunities for youth, as well as limited in-person employment opportunities.  These opportunities differ based upon the applicant's age.  The application window for the 2021 installment is now open and will conclude on March 31, 2021. 

For more information and to apply, potential applicants are asked to visit syep.mypgc.us.

Click on the flyer to the left to review the flyer in further detail, to download and to scan the QR code for a direct link to the SYEP website.

Construction Trades Hiring Event

Employ Prince George's and the Prince George's County Public Schools Department of Career and Technical Education (CTE) invite your company to participate in the first Annual (Virtual) Hiring Event for students entering the workforce from the CTE Construction Trades Programs.

The event will be held on April 15, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. To register, please visit mwe.jobs.maryland.gov, click sign-in, scroll down and click on "Employers and Agents" to begin your registration.

Be sure to review the latest edition of Community Connections, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks' newsletter for additional youth employment opportunities and resources.

Click on the graphic to the left to view additional details and to download the flyer.

Which Vaccine Is For Me?

All FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. 

When it is your turn to be vaccinated, know that the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines all provide the fife-saving protection you need against COVID-19.

Remember....

• Moderna and Pfizer vaccines both require a second does, so be sure to keep your second dose appointment.
• The Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine is safe and effective against COVID-19. Check out the fact sheet below to learn more about it and how it can help protect you and your loved ones.

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19
Vaccine: What You Should Know

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine is effective in working to protect individuals against COVID-19 sickness and it only require one dose.

Clinical trials in the U.S. showed the vaccine is 72% effective at preventing moderate COVID-19 illness and 85% effective at preventing severe COVID-19 illness. In addition, Dr. Anthony Fauci is quoted as saying the clinical trials showed the vaccine is "virtually 100% protective against hospitalization and death."

ICYMI: Dr. Fauci joined Prince George’s County to discuss why COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETsIIekGDis&t=10s

Click both graphics to view additional details and to download both flyers.  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 from the COVID-19 Resource Section below.

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.  Click on the graphic to the left to view additional details and to download the flyer.

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.