Alonzo WashingtonCoronavirus Information

March 15, 2020 0 Comment Alonzo Washington

Newsletter Uncategorized

Coronavirus Information

Dear Neighbor, as the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) spreads, I want to keep you up-to-date on recent developments, resources, and guidelines to stay safe. I will be regularly updating this page, as well as sending out emails with new information. If you are not already subscribed to my email list, you can do so on the right panel of this page – I am providing regular updates on the latest COVID-19 developments.

Statewide Measures:

The General Assembly adjourned on Wednesday, March 18, out of concern regarding COVID-19. We will be working to expeditiously to pass essential legislation before we adjourn, with plans to reconvene at the end of May.

In response to COVID-19, the Maryland General Assembly has taken swift action to support and protect Maryland citizens. The following pieces of legislation have been introduced:

COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Protection Act of 2020

This bill will prevent price gouging, cost sharing, employee firing, & allows for other preventative measures to ensure the health & security of all Marylanders.

State Budget Revenue Transfers – Coronavirus

This bill will allow the Governor to use $50 million in rainy day funds to combat the spread of the virus.

In addition to these bills, the Governor has taken several measures to protect the safety of citizens:

Statewide Stay-At-Home Order
Closing all non-essential businesses in the State of Maryland
Schools closed through May 15
Extended State Tax Deadline to July 15
Prohibiting gatherings and events over 10 people,
Closing all non-essential businesses
Expanding child care access for critical personnel,
Closing all senior centers,
Mandatory facial coverings in all grocery/retail stores,
Waiving deadlines for permits, including driver’s licenses,
Suspending visits to state prisons

For more information about the Governor’s executive orders to limit the spread of the virus, check out this page.

The State has also created a website that includes maps, resources, and additional information about the virus.

County Measures

Prince George’s County has also announced several actions now being taken to protect and aid residents:

Prince George’s County Memorial Library has suspended all programs. Branches are also closed. Online resources will still be available via your library card.
Prince George’s County Department of Parks & Recreation is closed. Parks, playgrounds and trails will remain open with limited maintenance at this time.
WSSC Water has suspended all water shut-offs to ensure all customers have access to safe, clean water.
Comcast is offering their Internet Essentials Program for free for 60 days to low-income households. They are also increasing internet speeds for all program subscribers.
Pepco is suspending service cut-offs and late fees.

School System

PGCPS Schools are closed through May 15th.

PGCPS also announced they will provide “grab and go” breakfast, lunch, and a snack at regional locations from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm daily during the closure. You check out the full list of meal sites here. For more information, and to keep up to date on the steps our school system is taking in response to the virus, check out the PGCPS COVID-19 webpage.

Additional Food Resources

Christian Life Church will have a free produce distribution every Friday at 12pm (5600 Taylor Road, Riverdale)
Capital Area Food Bank is distributing food on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 3:00 pm at Giant Food (6000 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt). More info here.
SEED is distributing food weekly on Wednesdays at 12pm at East Pines Community Center (5819 Eastpine Drive, Riverdale)
Trinity Church is distributing free fresh produce on the 4th Friday of each month (7800 Good Luck Road, Lanham)
Ebeneezer Food Bank is operating on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month at New Carrollton City Hall (6016 Princess Garden Pkwy, New Carrollton)

In addition, several grocery stores in our County have announced special shopping hours to assist our seniors with their shopping needs. These hours are reserved for customers 60 and better, to help protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

Safeway hours are 7:00 am to 9:00 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
Giant hours are 6:00 am to 7:00 am daily, &
Save-A-Lot hours are 7:00 am to 8:00 am daily.

For a comprehensive list of all food resources in our area, you can visit the Prince George’s County Food Equity Council website.

Helpful Websites

Please, stay home as much as you can. Do not leave unless it is for an essential purpose. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the Prince George’s County Health Department Coronavirus Hotline at (301) 883-6627 to receive updated information about the disease. The Maryland Department of Health and CDC websites also contain helpful information.