Delegate Nicole A. Williams Newsletter: Reopen Prince George's; Legislative Oversight; Bulk Trash
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
I want to thank everyone for their well wishes for my friend and her family. They are recovering and for that I am very grateful.
The large and diverse gatherings at protests this week in response to the killing of George Floyd has given me hope and inspiration. Let us keep up the fight to enact really reforms in policing, social services, support for communities of color and polices toward dealing with the unbalanced economic disparities that we know exist here in America.
I want to congratulate all of those who won their elections last week and those who were successful in some municipal races this week here in District 22. I look forward to working with you all over the next few years to strength and building our community.
Governor Hogan announced on Wednesday that indoor dining restaurants can open at 50% capacity as well as outdoor amusements such as miniature golf and go-kart tracks at 50% capacity. He also announced that starting on June 19th indoor fitness centers, gyms, dance, and martial arts studios can open at 50% capacity as well as casinos, arcades and malls.
However, our County Executive, Angela Alsobrooks stated yesterday that we are going to take a slower and more measured approached. As the jurisdiction with the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the State, we cannot move too quickly toward reopening. We have lost too many of neighbors and friends to this horrible disease. We must continue to be careful.
Nicole
Which restrictions are lifted in Prince George's County?
Retail stores can open with safeguards and cannot exceed 50% capacity.
Barbershops and hair salons can open by appointment only at 50% capacity with the use of PPE by employees. Customers must also wear masks and adequate social distancing. Clients cannot wait in sitting areas.
Other personal services such as nail salons, massage parlors and spas can open by appointment only with the use of PPE by employees. Customers must wear face coverings and high contact services must be disinfectant every 2 hours.
Outdoor and Indoor dinning at restaurants limited to 50% capacity inside with tables at least 6 feet apart, no more than 6 people seated at a table and other public health protective measures. No more than 50 people will be allowed at any outdoor restaurant. Employees must wear face coverings.
Houses of worship can open for gatherings not to exceed 25% capacity. Drive-in and outdoor services limited to 250 people or less with social distancing.
Childcare facilities are open for essential employees and those returning back to work. Employees must use masks and gloves. Must have a staggered schedule for drop offs and pickups. Facility must conduct daily symptom checks.
Outdoor pools both public and private can open and operate at 25% percent capacity with social distancing. Indoor pools must remain closed.
Outdoor youth sports may resume in small groups of no more than 9 children to 1 coach with a max of 50 people in any area.
Parks are open for personal fitness and fitness classes including tennis courts, tracks and golf courses.
Legislative Oversight
While the Maryland General Assembly is on recess we are continuing to utilize our oversight authority. Every Wednesday at 10 AM, the COVID-19 workgroup meets to review the State’s response to this pandemic. This week the workgroup discussed the health disparities that this virus has highlighted in communities of color. The panel of experts included our own Prince George’s County’s Health Officer, Dr. Ernest Carter. You can watch this week's meeting or any future meetings live online. At 1 PM on June 16th the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs and the House Ways & Means Committees will hold a joint oversight hearing regarding the June 2nd Primary here in Maryland. There were several concerns raised about the mail-in ballot process and the long lines at the in-person polling locations. The Senate Committee is led by our State Senator Paul Pinsky and the Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee is my district mate Alonzo Washington. I am sure they will ask the tough questions needed as we must ensure that the November election goes as smoothly as possible. Yesterday, the House Ways and Means and Appropriations Committee held a joint briefing on education issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic here in Maryland. You can watch the briefing here.
Prince George's County to Start Modified Bulky Trash
The Department of the Environment will operate an additional modified nine (9) bulky trash drop-off sites on a biweekly, rotating schedule from 11 AM – 7 PM
Residents may bring up to eight (8) bulky trash items for disposal at all modified drop-off locations. For a list of accepted items, frequently asked questions and a complete schedule of drop-off locations, visit environment.mypgc.us.
Please note, due to COVID-19 restrictions, County employees are not allowed to assist, handle, or touch any bulky trash items brought to the sites. Therefore, residents must be able to independently lift and place their items in the back of the packer truck for disposal and are encouraged to bring an extra person should they require assistance. There will be no exceptions to this guideline
Need Health Insurance
The Maryland Health Connections’ COVID-19 Special Enrollment Session is still open for uninsured residents to apply for health insurance, including Medicaid. Get covered by visiting www.marylandhealthconnections.gov. The deadline to apply is June 15th.
Grab and Go Meals for Students
PGCPS will continue to provide grab and go meals twice a week from 10 AM to 1 PM which now includes breakfast, lunch and supper. Click here for a list of all of the school locations in the County for grab and go meals.
Unemployment Insurance
Yesterday’s article in the Baltimore Sun stated what we already know, thousands of unemployment claims are stuck in the system. The State Department of Labor did not respond to questions about how long the state expects to work through the backlog of 71,000 cases still needing adjudication. 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 new 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.
Food Distribution Sites and Resources
For those who live in Councilwoman Dannielle Glaros’ District, on Wednesday, June 17th 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. Every Wednesday at 12:00 PM there is a Free Food Distribution at the East Pines Community Center located at 5819 East Pine Drive, Riverdale MD 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
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 Employees 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.
2020 Census
Complete the 2020 Census TODAY. Call 1-844-330-2020, no code needed to complete your form over the phone Go to www.2020census.gov to fill out the census online. Let your friends know you've been counted--share this status on your social media: I am #ProudtobeCounted in PGC #pgcensus We need you to complete the 2020 Census TODAY.