PG County Reduces Gov't Operations: Coronavirus Updates

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Prince George's County is altering the way it will be delivering services in the coming weeks as part of its response to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks declared as of Friday, March 20, at 5 p.m., all government services would be reduced to essential services only.

"We know that COVID-19 is rude and indiscriminate," COVID-19 does not care about age, race, or financial standing," said Alsobrooks, in a release. "It has impacted people from all walks of life, not just in our County, but across our nation. However, I want you to know that COVID-19 will not have the final say. We have been working around the clock to do everything we can to contain the spread of this virus and save lives in our County."

By executive order of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, all non-essential businesses in the stare were ordered closed effective Monday, at 5 p.m. Essential businesses include grocery stores, medical care facilities, pharmacies, gas stations, utility companies, banks, and restaurants offering delivery, carryout or drive-thru options.

PG County and the state are partnering to set up a prototype coronavirus screening location at FedEx Field. Hogan has sent the Maryland National Guard to help the county build the facility, which was designed by PG County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter and the county Health Department. The county will operate the facility with the help of the Maryland Department of Health and the University of Maryland Medical System. Once testing becomes available, the county will announce when registration is open for screenings.

The essential governmental functions that will continue to operate in PG County are as follows:

• Public Safety - The Police Department, Fire and EMS Department and the Department of Corrections will remain operational. PGPD will handle reports of non-violent crimes by phone. The new policy only pertains to non-violent crimes. Residents who need to report a crime should still call 911; the call taker will ask for information, including the caller's phone number. In those cases where a report needs to be written, a member of the PGPD will call back and take the report over the phone.
• Domestic Violence -The District Court Commissioner’s Office in both Hyattsville and Upper Marlboro will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both offices are still accepting and issuing domestic violence petitions.
• The Family Justice Center is closed to the public, but services are still available by phone during normal business hours. Call 301-780-8008 and an intake specialist will follow-up with you.
• Trash Collection - The Department of the Environment will continue to collect trash, recycling and yard trim on schedule. In addition, Convenience Center Drop-Off locations will remain open. All bulky trash collections are suspended and will be rescheduled at a later date.
• Animal Welfare - While the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center remains operational, it is closed to the public. PG County residents can still contact the facility for emergency calls for service at 301-780-7200.
• Meal Deliveries - The Department of Family Services and the Department of Public Works and Transportation are teaming up to provide meal deliveries for seniors who already participate in an existing delivery program, such as the Senior Nutrition Program. DPWT is also operating essential para-transit services, including medical appointments, trips for dialysis patients, and trips for seniors to go grocery shopping. DPWT will also conduct critical repairs of PG County roads, bridges, and traffic signals.
• TheBus transit system is operating under reduced service. The following routes were previously suspended: 21x, 22, 25, 35s, 51 and 53. An additional number of routes have been suspended, including 11, 12, 14, 15x, 23, 27 and 34. During this time of reduced services, riders will not be charged for riding TheBus.
• WMATA - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is operating on a reduced Sunday schedule. In addition, all Metrobus riders must enter and exit buses through the rear door to protect its drivers and reduce the spread of COVID-19. WMATA has also suspended all fare collection on all its buses since the fare box is located at the front door. Riders who need to use the wheelchair ramp will still be able to board the bus via the front door.
• The 311 Call Center is continuing to take calls from county residents to address issues. But, since bulky trash collection has been suspended, it is not currently scheduling future pickup dates.
• Permitting & Inspections - The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement will continue to do its work, reviewing licenses and permits, in addition to conducting inspections.
• Health - The Health Department will continue to operate, providing essential services to county residents as it continues to work toward containing the spread of COVID-19.

Also Read: Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know