Delegate Nicole A. Williams Newsletter: Phase 2 reopening; Workgroup Meeting on Police Reform

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

This week we are seeing much lower positivity numbers, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, here in Maryland. We are doing a great job with wearing our masks, social distancing and washing our hands frequently. However, if you listen to the news you will hear the stories about spikes in other states across the country.

Yesterday, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced that Prince George’s County will move into a full phase 2 reopening starting Monday, June 29th at 5:00 PM. We are now averaging 3.9 deaths per day which is lower than the 9 deaths per day we were previously seeing in Prince George’s County. We have moved from an average of 244 COVID-19 hospital patients to 80 patients this week here in the County. Additionally, our positivity rate has decreased from 43.1% to 7.8%. The County Health Department is now offering free testing without an appointment.

The Governor did not have a press conference this week but he did issue a press release that our daily positivity rate in Maryland reached a new low of 4.38%, we have conducted more than 600,000 tests and we have nearly 200 testing sites available across the state. This is great news. However, we are still seek answers from the Governor’s administration on other matters such as the processing of the backlog of unemployment claims, an executive order to improve policing in our state, continuation with the increase of the minimum wage and the plan for our November election.

We must continue to be vigilant about beating the Coronavirus but we must also make sure we are providing for those among us who have the least and are struggling day to day.

Nicole

Which restrictions are lifted in the new Phase 2 Reopening in Prince George's County?

Gyms, fitness centers and other indoor physical activities not to exceed 50% capacity
Casinos, bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, indoor skating rinks and miniature golf at 50% capacity.
Social and fraternal clubs at 50% capacity
Shopping malls at 50% capacity.
Personal services, including barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, massage parlors, and spas at 50% capacity and by appointment only.
Houses of worship may expand indoor services to 50% capacity.
Childcare Facilities.
Outdoor community pools both public and private at 50% capacity.
Car washes.
Outdoor Youth sports.
Large gatherings up to 100 persons are allowed.

For a copy of the County Executive’s Amended Order click here.

Police Reform and Accountability in Maryland

Work Group

The work group held its first meeting on Tuesday. You can view the first meeting of the work group on YouTube. There have been several articles such as this one in the Washington Informer about the first meeting. We are not in session so we cannot introduce any legislation right now to address the changes that we know are needed. However, Governor Hogan can immediately implement police reform measures by executive order. Last week all 99 Democrats in the House of Delegates called for Hogan to do that just. To date, we have not heard anything from the Governor's administration. I urge you to sign the petition to call on the Governor to ask him if he will immediately issue an executive order to implement police reform measures. If you wish to call his office his number is, 410-974-3901 or 1-800-811-8336.

Need Health Insurance

The Maryland Health Connections’ COVID-19 Special Enrollment Session has been extended for uninsured residents to apply for health insurance, including Medicaid. Get covered by visiting www.marylandhealthconnections.gov. The deadline to apply has been extended to July 15th.

Prince George's County Public Schools

Summer Food Service Program

PGCPS ended the grab and go meals on Wednesday, June 17th. There will be a one week break and then the school system will begin on Monday, June 29th to operate its summer food service program which will run through August 13, 2020. The “Grab and Go” breakfast and lunch meals will be available Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to noon at 87 school sites and 12 apartment complexes. Click here for a list of all of the locations in the County for the summer grab and go meals. To bridge the gap in meal service, PGCPS families can access seven community sites from Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26. The sites will offer lunch and a snack from 12-2 PM.

Unemployment Insurance

We have been informed by the Department of Labor that they are making progress in working through the backlog of unemployment claims. If you are continuing to have problems, please let my office know. Please use this Unemployment Insurance Tracker Form or contact my office directly for additional assistance. To directly access the BEACON One-Stop site, visit https://beacon.labor.maryland.gov/claimant/ The website will be down between the hours of 1 AM – 3 AM to perform maintenance and resolve any ongoing technical issues.

NAACP Scholarships

I recently I became aware of applications for the following NAACP scholarships. Please pass this information along to any potentially qualified students.

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

Applicant must be a current member of the NAACP
Scholarship amount: twenty (20) to forty (40) scholarships available
- Maximum scholarship amount is $2,000.00

The Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for male students

Applicant must be a male majoring in one of the following fields: Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematical Sciences
NAACP membership and participation are highly desirable
Scholarship amount: 20-40 Scholarships available
Maximum scholarship award is $3,000.00

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity James Weldon Johnson Scholarship

Applicant must compose a 500 – 750 word essay that
- 1) Addresses how the life and legacy of James Weldon Johnson has impacted them, OR
- 2) Is an analysis of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Scholarship amount: Seven scholarships worth $3,000 each, available annually
One (1) recipient per NAACP region

Submission Deadline for Applications: July 17, 2020 Scholarship Application Forms are available at: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=pfscholar As a general rule, applicants to any of the three (3) NAACP scholarships listed above MUST:

Be a US citizen
Not have reached the age of 25 by the July 17, 2020 application deadline
Be currently enrolled in or accepted by an accredited college or university in the U.S.
Must demonstrate financial need based on the federal poverty guidelines (Click here to see guidelines).

For Graduating High School Seniors and Undergraduate Students

Must be full-time student
Must possess a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 system

For College (Graduate) Students

May be full or part-time student.
Must possess a 3.0 average on a 4.0 system

Food Distribution Sites and Resources

For those who live in Councilwoman Dannielle Glaros’ District, on Wednesday, July 8th and 22nd in partnership with the County Department of Family Service, her office will distribute 500 frozen, prepackaged meals prepared by Martin’s Catering to residents 60 and over. Each resident will receive a box with 1 breakfast and 3 lunches. You must reserve your meal by filling out this form. Meals must be picked up between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM at the New Carrollton Municipal Building located at 6016 Princess Garden Parkway, New Carrollton MD. You can also request home delivery but you must be home on June 17th between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM to accept delivery. Food Pantry Locations In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several food pantries have been setup throughout the county and in neighboring jurisdictions. Enter your zip code or address to search for the food pantry nearest you. SNAP Assistance SNAP is now approved in Maryland for online grocery purchases for delivery or pickup. Walmart, Amazon and ShopRight are among the participating retailers. Call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 866-821-5552 for assistance and questions related to SNAP applications. They can assist with completing and submitting SNAP applications over the phone, submit any changes to your active SNAP case, answer questions about your benefits, and direct you to additional food resources

County COVID-19 Resources

PRINCE GEORGE’S FREE COVID-19 TESTING SITES

The County Health Department now has three coronavirus testing sites, open now by appointment only. Appointments are no longer required. The sites are open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM.

Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center

7120 Contee Road, Laurel MD.

Rollingcrest-Chillum Recreation Center

6120 Sargent Road, Chillum MD

Cheverly Health Center

3003 Hospital Drive, Cheverly MD

The COVID-19 Hotline

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Prince George’s County Health Department Coronavirus hotline at (301) 883-6627 from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM to receive updated information about the coronavirus disease. *Please contact 911 for medical emergencies only.

Nonprofit Resources

Listing of resources and grants specifically for nonprofit organizations in the County.

Hourly Employee Relief Fund

The County is accepting applications for its Hourly Employee Relief Fund to assist residents who were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing $200 cash cards for those in need.

Childcare for Essential Employee s and Employees Returning to Work

Child care centers are opening up throughout in the State. Click here if you are returning back to work and need child care.

To keep track of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the county please click here.