District 6 Weekend Reader |#ENewsYouCanUse - In Honor of Mom, Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Resources, County Resources, COVID-19 Resources for County Businesses

#ENewsYouCanUse

Greetings District 6 Residents, It is my pleasure with this week's edition of the District 6 E-Blast/Weekend Reader.  This weekly electronic newsletter is designed to provide you with updates to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with regards to vaccination and testing metrics, measures for keeping yourselves and your loved ones safe along with updates on county happenings and services. In week's edition of the Weekend Reader, I'd like to spotlight those special ladies in our lives who taught us to speak our first words, were our first teachers, our first friend, held our hands when we fell, cooked our favorite dishes and who always put our needs and comforts before theirs and nurture us like no other in the world. Let us take the opportunity this weekend to celebrate our favorite girls by sending heartfelt wishes to all mothers on Mother’s Day.

Looking for a virtual Mother's Day event to attend? Please join my Council colleague, Prince George's County Council Member Sydney Harrison and Purposeful Living and Giving, this Sunday, May 9, at 4:00 p.m for the District 9 Virtual Mother’s Day Celebration. Several of my Council colleagues and I will participate in this entertaining event to celebrate and recognize the wonderful and loving mothers, throughout our community. Taylor Thomas (radio and television personality) and Council Member Sydney Harrison will serve as the co-hosts of the event.   You don't want to miss a special musical performance by Be’la Dona Band and an inspirational spoken word offering by Tasha Carter and Malik Harleston.   To view the live stream, please click on either of the following links: District 9 Mother's Day Celebration on YouTube or District 9 Mother's Day Celebration on Facebook Live.

Although our COVID-19 numbers are trending down, we must continue to look out for one another. This Mother’s Day weekend, let’s make sure we keep the mothers and mother figures in our lives safe. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 not only protects you, but also your loved ones and our community. Please continue to encourage our family, friends and neighbors to consider the COVID-19 vaccine.  County residents and employees are encouraged to make appointments through the following weblink: http://mypgc.us/ProudtobeProtected. 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 a number of helpful infographics on scheduling your appointments to receive the vaccine and helpful information to distinguish the facts versus the myths behind the COVID-19 vaccine. Please continue to make smart decisions as you venture out and about your activities so we can stay on the right track. LET'S COMMIT TO.... Staying vigilant about practicing social distancing and our daily hygiene regimens.  Making our appointments to get vaccinated; Getting vaccinated; 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. It is my hope is that you continue find this weekly offering informative and useful, as we continue operate under virtual circumstances. 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. 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 and bookmark the Prince George's COVID-19 Dashboard to review the latest information on COVID-19 data trends to the public.  Stay safe. Stay well. Stay informed.

Derrick Leon Davis
Council Member, District 6
Prince George's County Council

Prince George's County Council Member Derrick
Leon Davis, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and
Friendship Charities Partner to Host Food4Thought
Grab 'N' Go Mobile Food Pantry Event (5/1/2021)

On Saturday, May 1^st, District 6 Council Member Derrick Leon Davis, in partnership with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Pi Chapter and Friendship Charities, Inc, participated in the Food4Thought Grab ‘N’ Go Mobile Food Pantry Event.  Since last month, Food4Thought has hosted monthly mobile food pantry events to address the issue of food insecurity during the COVID-19 public health emergency. With the help of multiple partnering organizations, hundreds of County residents have been provided bags of fresh produce, non-perishable items and meats to prepare well-balanced meals for their families.

County Council Updates

Council Connection (week ending 5/8/2021)

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/TajR30rAv5b.

Council Connection Highlights include:

• COUNTY RESIDENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS ADDRESS COUNTY COUNCIL’S FINAL FY22 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
  Nearly 90 residents including youths, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders from around the County signed up to address Council Members during Tuesday’s final FY 2022 Budget Public Hearing for the Prince George's County Proposed FY 2022 Operating Budget; Six-Year Capital Program (Including The Capital Improvement Budget); and the Prince George's County Board of Education Portion of the County FY 2022 Operating Budget; Proposed Budget of the Redevelopment Authority and Revenue Authority Of Prince George's County, and the Constant Yield Tax Rate.  The new fiscal year begins July 1, and pursuant to the County Charter, the Council must adopt a new County Budget on or before June 1.  The Council’s careful review of the proposed budget plan includes staff reviews, Council budget work sessions, and critically important public hearings.   

  Watch Tuesday's Public Hearing.
  
  

• COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; ADOPTS RESOLUTION SUPPORTING UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE FOR ALL
  The County Council convened a virtual session on Tuesday, May 4^th, to review proposed legislation and conduct public hearings for legislation eligible for enactment, and resolutions eligible for adoption.  The Council unanimously adopted CR-027-2021, supporting Universal Health Care for All, including expansion of the Affordable Care Act and the Medicare for All Act, a federal bill proposal that would guarantee comprehensive healthcare to all U.S. residents. 

  Vice Chair Deni Taveras, proposer of the legislation, noted the impact of COVID-19 on the County’s healthcare systems.  “COVID-19 hit Prince George’s County communities hard, impacting our public health and local economy, leaving businesses struggling and workers unemployed. Employer-based healthcare systems leave residents particularly vulnerable when they are most in need.  Universal health care would ensure that the healthcare needs of our residents are met, regardless of their work or immigration status.”

  READ the press release.  WATCH Tuesday’s Council Session.
   

Please take note of the following schedule of upcoming County Council virtual meetings/sessions.

• May 10 - District Council  - 10:00 AM   Agenda
• May 10 - Council sitting as Committee of the Whole  - 1:00 PM  Agenda
• May 11 - Council sitting as Committee of the Whole  - 10:00 AM  Agenda
• May 12 - Zoning Hearing Examiner - 9:30 AM  Details
• May 12 - Board of Appeals  -   6:00 PM  Agenda
• May 13 - County Council - Bi-County Meeting - 3:00 PM  Details
• May 14 - Re-Entry Advisory Board - 10:00 AM   Public Notice

Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page.

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 County Health Department is also extending clinic hours and appointment availability at the following County-operated COVID-19 vaccination clinics this weekend at the Wayne K. Curry Sports & Learning Complex: Saturday and Sunday, May 8 and 9, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Appointments for these extended-hour clinics are required. Individuals can schedule their own first-dose appointments by visiting mypgc.us/ProudToBeProtected and selecting one of the clinics on May 7, 8, or 9. The clinics are open to County residents 16 and older. Those who are 16 or 17 years old must have a parent or guardian with them at the clinic to fill out a consent form. For more information about the County’s vaccination operations, please visit our COVID-19 vaccine webpage mypgc.us/COVIDvaccine. The County hit a new milestone in our vaccination efforts for everyone to be Proud to be Protected from COVID-19. This week, over 582,000 total vaccinations have been provided to County residents and over 250,000 residents are now fully vaccinated. 354,218 residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine, which represents 49.0% of residents ages 16 or older. Progress Towards Vaccination Goals  As of May 5, over 582,000 vaccines have been provided to 354,218 County residents, with 228,558 residents fully vaccinated. 49% of residents ages 16 and over have received at least one vaccine dose. There are an estimated 728,050 residents ages 16 and older, the minimum age for vaccination. Our goal is to have 473,232 residents vaccinated by this summer, or 65% of this population and 80% by this fall. We are now at 75.0% of our summer goal. Last week we were at 71.5%.   Prince George's County Vaccine Equity Team The Hyattsville area has been a top priority because of how densely populated the area is, how hard those zip codes were impacted by COVID-19 infections, and lagging vaccination rates as we ramped up our vaccine distribution efforts. However, since April, all four zip codes associated with Hyattsville (20783, 20784, 20785, and 20782) have moved from either the top or middle of our top 10 areas of need for vaccine resources to the bottom or outside the top 10. Currently, 20783 is the only zip code in the top 10 (it was number 1 last month). The following are the most notable changes since March 28: 20783 (Hyattsville) moved from #1 to #8 20737 (Riverdale) moved from #3 to #9 20722 (Brentwood) moved from #12 to #19 This was done by ensuring Federally Qualified Health Centers were equipped to distribute vaccine, trusted community leaders helping to amplify the need to be vaccinated, mobile units being targeted to specific areas, and our state and third-party partners following the County’s lead in directing resources to these areas. The data reflects the work being done to pierce densely populated areas and shows that efforts are paying off. The Vaccine Equity Team will continue to focus on the central and southern Inner Beltway communities like Oxon Hill, District Heights, Capitol Heights and Suitland. These communities have steadily risen on the list and will receive greater prioritization now.   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 #ProudToBeProtected. To view this week's COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin in its entirety, click on the COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin graphic above or visit the following weblink: http://ow.ly/TCiN30rAu6m.

Community Connections

Be sure to check out the latest edition of Community Connections, Prince George's County
Executive Angela Alsobrooks' weekly newsletter, geared to provide residents with County
updates including agency news, events and initiatives as well as observances.

To read this edition of Community Connections in its entirety,
please visit the embedded weblink or click the graphic above to access the newsletter.

COVID-19 Resources for County Businesses

Restaurant Assistance Grants The Economic Development Corporation is now accepting applications for the Restaurant Assistance Grant program. This program provides $12,000 grants to support Prince George’s County-based restaurants and food establishments. Learn more and apply: https://www.pgcedc.com/restaurantassistance

COVID-19 VLT Flex Grant Program FSC First will administer the VLT Flex Grant/Loan Matching Fund, also known as the Small Minority and Women Owned Business Account, COVID-19 RELIEF Program, as a 50/50 Matching grant/loan program. Loans will be matched with a grant up to 50% of the qualified loan amount or $50,000, whichever is less. The grant will be disbursed once the loan proceeds are utilized for leasehold improvements, real estate purchase, furniture, machinery, equipment or inventory. All funds (loan and grant) must be fully disbursed by 6/30/2021. This program is available for existing businesses that can demonstrate an ongoing impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.   For more information on the grant program and to apply, please visit the official COVID-19 VLT Flex Grant/Loan Matching Fund Grant Program web portal.

County Resources

Prince George's County Memorial Library System

UPDATE: Department of Parks & Recreation

County Libraries Enter Phase Two Reopening

As of April 28, several Prince George's County Memorial Library locations (Bowie, Laurel, New Carrollton, Oxon Hill, South Bowie, and Spauldings) resumed limited branch services.

Conditions for Limited Branch Access

• A limited number of customers may enter branch libraries based on temporary occupancy limits (1 person per 500 square feet of public services space).
• Public computer access is by appointment only. Appointments may be scheduled in advance or on-site, as capacity allows. The number of accessible computers will be reduced to enforce mandatory physical distancing. Computer appointments can be scheduled in the PGCMLS App, through customer accounts at pgcmls.info, or by calling PGCMLS Ask a Librarian at (240) 455-5451. Public computer appointments are limited to 60 minutes (one per day, per customer).
• Customers and staff are required to wear face masks and observe physical distancing requirements.
• Physical contact between staff and customers is limited.
• Limited browsing will be available. Self-checkout and contactless checkout via the PGCMLS App are encouraged to minimize interactions between customers and staff.
• Curbside service continues
• Access to the stacks is restricted to staff only.

For more information on health and safety precautions, curbside services procedures and other services available during phase 2, visit http://pgcmls.info/reopening.

Parks & Recreation Spring/May Guide The Department of Parks & Recreation has a number of programs and activities taking place throughout this month, and there is still time to register for many of these opportunities. Check out the official Spring Guide to learn more and register for programs: bit.ly/3dmf9aC. To view a larger version of this flier, click the graphic above.

Parks Summer Programs Registration Registration is already underway for many summer programs through the Department of Parks & Recreation, with both virtual and in-person opportunities available. Learn more about these opportunities and view the 2021 Summer Day Camp Brochure here: http://www.pgparks.com/629/Day-Camps-Summer-Playgrounds

Yoga in the Parks Yoga in the Parks is officially underway through the Department of Parks & Recreation. Check out the upcoming schedule for this month and register for free classes online here: pgparksdirect.com

Picnic Shelters Reopening   Need a fun outdoor activity for the family? Select picnic shelters have reopened in parks across the County. Learn more and reserve a picnic shelter today: http://pgparks.com/1398/Picnic-Shelters

#ProudToBeProtected:  COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

REGISTER TODAY:
Prince George's County Community Update
Tele-Town Hall - COVID-19 Vaccine (5/11/2021, 6:00pm)

*click on the graphic below to access the registration link*

REGISTER TODAY!
Get Vaccinated at the 24 Hour Vaccine-A-Thon (5/14-15/2021)!

#InCaseYouMissedIt | In partnership with the Prince George's County Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys, Prince George' s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced the launching of a County 24-hour Vaccine-a-thon beginning next Friday, May 14 starting at 9:00 AM at the Sports & Learning Center.

Join E.U.'s Sugar Bear, Joe Clair from WPGC 95.5 and Marky Mark, as they greet and cheer on participants  for being #ProudToBeProtected along with plenty of prizes, giveaways and goodies.

Share this announcement and encourage all of your family members and friends and secure your spot at the Vaccine-a-thon today by booking an appointment online: bit.ly/24HourMDVax.

Come Get Protected From COVID-191 Vaccine Clinics Extended Hours What are YOU doing this weekend? Are you looking to get vaccinated? You are in luck! Extended hours at three County-operated vaccine clinics throughout the weekend at the Wayne K. Curry Sports & Learning Complex (Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9 from 9:00am - 4:00pm). Teens 16 and older (and other age groups) can get appointments now at mypgc.us/ProudToBeProtected. Minors must have a parent/guardian at the clinic to sign consent form. Click on the flyer to the left to review additional information.

Vaccine Outreach Team The County's Vaccine Outreach Vaccine Outreach Team is going door to door in several communities, while also calling and texting residents across the County. If they knock on your door or reach out, please answer. They are helping residents schedule appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations/resources and providing information on government resources like rental assistance. If someone from the outreach team contacts you, please answer the door or the phone, as they will also be able to help you schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Targeted communities will receive the full suite of remote and in-person contact. In total, canvassers will knock on 266,352 doors and are currently targeting the following communities for door-knocking: Bladensburg, Temple Hills, Capitol Heights, Hyattsville, Oxon Hill, College Park, District Heights, Riverdale, Suitland, Langley Park, and Mount Rainier. The canvassing program will also reach the entire County remotely via phone banking and text banking, making over 1.3 million calls and sending over 500,000 text messages throughout the duration of the initiative. Canvassers will be knocking on doors every day from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

Vaccination Sites

While the County Health Department currently operates four vaccination clinics in the County, in addition to three mobile vaccination units, there are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County. We encourage you to sign up at these other sites to increase your options to receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

For County Regulated Sites:
Anyone who lives or works in Prince George’s County that wishes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine should visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine to schedule an appointment directly. Individuals who cannot schedule an appointment online on their own should call 311 and press # for assistance.

Prince George’s County Health Department

• Locations: Health Department’s Cheverly Health Center, Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex, Laurel Beltsville Senior Activity Center, Cedar Heights Community Center, Sports & Learning Complex, and Mobile Vaccination Units.

For State Regulated Sites: The State of Maryland is now requiring eligible residents to pre-register to get vaccinated at Maryland mass vaccination sites like Six Flags. To increase your chances of receiving a vaccine appointment, we encourage everyone to Pre-register as soon as possible by visiting COVIDvax.maryland.gov or 1-855-634-6829. You may also text "MDReady"  to 898-211 to receive appointment notifications for the State’s mass vaccination sites. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up through either of these other sites to increase their options of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

While the County Health Department currently operates six vaccination clinics in the County, in addition to three mobile vaccination units, there are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County. We encourage you to sign up at these other sites to increase your options to receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Please remember that the County does not manage nor control appointments, or distribution for any sites besides those operated by our County Health Department.

Greenbelt Metro Station (Not County-Operated)

• Appointments: Sign up for appointments by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov and select Greenbelt Metro Station as a preferred site.
• Individuals can also call the Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829) to schedule vaccine appointments at mass vaccination sites.
• Residents who have already pre-registered with the State and live in nearby zip codes DO NOT need to pre-register again with the State to receive an appointment.
• Walk-ups Welcome:
• Location: 5717 Greenbelt Metro Drive, Greenbelt, MD
• Walk-up Hours:
• Monday – Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Wednesday – Thursday, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Friday – Sunday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Six Flags America Theme Park & Other State Vaccination Sites (Not County-Operated)

• Appointments: Visit covidvax.maryland.gov to register for appointments.  
• Individuals can call the Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829) to schedule vaccine appointments at mass vaccination sites. The call center is open seven days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM. The Vaccination Support Center is specifically designed to assist older adults and residents without Internet access.

• Drive-ups Welcome:
• Drive-thru, no-appointment vaccinations are now offered at the Six Flags mass vaccination site, Monday - Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Additional Non-County Operated Sites 

• Please use our County Vaccine Locator to find additional vaccination sites operated by pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare partners.

Please remember that the County does not manage nor control appointments, or distribution for any sites besides those operated by our County Health Department.

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.

COVID-19 2nd Dose Appointments: What You Need To Know What To Know 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 vaccines 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 above to view additional details and to download the flyer.

Outdoor Mask
Mandate Lifted
Effective Immediately

At the advice of County health officials and following CDC recommendations, masking is no longer required for most outdoor activities in Prince George’s County. However, masks are still required in outdoor venues like sports stadiums or outdoor concert venues, and also in all indoor venues and on public transportation. Unvaccinated residents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and continue wearing their masks outdoors until they are fully vaccinated.

Please click on the above flyer to view additional details.

Scheduling Process for Vaccine Appointment in Prince George's County

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.  Anyone who lives or works in
Prince George’s County
that wishes to receive
the COVID-19 vaccine
must schedule an appointment.

Click on the flyer above
for additional information.

Don't Wait. Get Tested.

Even as more people get vaccinated, the COVID-19
virus is still among us. If you are feeling ill or think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, don't wait to get tested.

Get tested right away to make sure you get proper medical treatment and do not
accidently expose your family and friends to COVID-19.

Call your doctor for a test or use the Prince George's County COVID-19 Testing Site Locator to find a free testing site near you.  Learn more about
COVID-19 symptoms and find
a testing site at the County's official COVID Testing Site.

Please click on the above flyer to view additional details.

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.

Myth vs. Fact:
Know The Facts About the
COVID-19 Vaccines

Can the vaccines give you the virus?

Will the COVID-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.

COVID-19 Vaccine
Travel Fact Sheet

Did you know there are multiple public transit options to reach vaccination sites in
the County, several of which are free? Check out this COVID-19 Vaccine Travel Fact Sheet above from our Department of Public Works & Transportation which shows available options for residents.

Click the flyer above to view additional details on County transit options to consider in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine including The Bus, Call-A-Bus, PGCLink, MetroAccess, Taxicab and Call-A-Cab.

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