Understanding How County And State Leaders Are Standing Up To The Virus

At a time of crisis, communities look to leadership for answers - and action.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced a state of emergency in the county March 17 (click here).

Alsobrooks hosted a Tele-Town Hall March 17 to discuss actions taken by her administration and other local and state leaders. It was also an opportunity for residents to ask questions of the leaders. The panel included U.S. Rep. Anthony Brown, Prince George’s County Council Chair Todd Turner, Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO Dr. Monica Goldson, Prince George’s County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter, DCAO Tara Jackson and Elana Belon-Butler, director of the Office of Family Services.

Over 3,500 residents registered and/or listened to the session that addressed the issues that have altered the way residents live, work and play in an unprecedented manner.

Below is an extract of the town hall and the questions that residents had for the leadership. It is compiled from the Twitter feed of the office of the county executive.

Prince George’s County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter

Q: What is the status of testing in our County?

Dr. Ernest Carter: To get tested, you have to go to your physician. Call before going. If you do not have a primary care provider, go to Urgent Care. If you meet the criteria for testing, you will receive a prescription.

For our seniors, take the following precautions: Develop a contact list of loved ones and trusted friends – stay in touch with your contact list – Have several weeks of medications on hand.

At this time, we really need to practice our social distancing. This will be especially important to protect our seniors and those with compromised immune systems.

Prince George's County has 19 confirmed cases. All are doing well; one individual is in the hospital but in stable condition.

Q: What is best recommendation for those experiencing symptoms?

Dr. Ernest Carter: When you start to feel sick with a fever and cough, call your doctor and discuss your symptoms. At this time, there are no preventative medicines for COVID-19.

Q: Can you get tested if you don't have insurance?

Dr. Ernest Carter: People without health insurance will get tested and the tests are free. To get tested, you have to meet certain criteria, and a doctor must make that determination.

Q: Can we expedite getting a cure for COVID-19?

Dr. Ernest Carter: 18 months is a pretty standard time to develop a new vaccine [in part because we need ] to ensure it is safe for public use.

Q: Is there consistent information being given to federal government employees on telework?

Congressman Anthony Brown: your regional federal delegation is putting together legislation that would mandate telework for federal government employees.

Q: What are teleworking protocols for county employees?

DCAO Tara Jackson: Our government has activated situational telework for all eligible employees as of March 16. We are looking to continue to further expand teleworking for our employees.

Q: What county services will be impacted, like trash and recycling?

County Executive Alsobrooks: We are working to ensure essential county services continue. All yard, trash, recycling, and bulk trash collections are continuing as regularly scheduled.

Director of the Office of Family Services, .Elana Belon-Butler

Q: What is the county doing to support seniors?

Elana Belon-Butler: We are delivering meals to all seniors, part of our Senior Nutrition Program, as well as those who are part of homebound meal delivery. We are in regular contact with all nursing homes in our county.

We are in contact with all assisted living facilities in the county. We have delivered shelf-stable meals for our low-income seniors.

Q: What can residents do to support our seniors?

County Executive Alsobrooks: This time can be isolating for our seniors. Check on our seniors, give them a call. Offer your assistance to them to help with grocery shopping or picking up medication. Encourage them to stay at home.

Q: What directives have been provided to law enforcement on how to support our community?

County Executive Alsobrooks: They are using certain protocols to make sure the public is safe.

DCAO Mark Magaw: Our Fire/EMS Department has protocols to assist those who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Q: What is the effect of coronavirus on primary elections in Maryland?

Congressman Anthony Brown: Governor Hogan announced the Maryland primary has been moved from April 28 to June 2. There is a special election on April 28 but that does not apply to Prince George's County.

We are encouraging as many people as possible to vote by mail. Visit the State Board of Elections website for more information on voting by mail: https://elections.maryland.gov #PGCCOVID19

Q: Can I complete my 2020 Census while at home?

Euniesha Davis: The Census is here and we are #ProudToBeCounted. We are asking that while you are at home, take 10 minutes to complete it. To complete your Census, visit: https://my2020census.gov or call: 1-844-330-2020.

Q: Will our school buses be cleaned, too?

Dr. Monica Goldson: Wes, we begin cleaning our buses March 18, and it will take a total of two days to clean all of them.

County Executive Alsobrooks: I want to thank everyone in our government who has been working around the clock, seven days a week, to ensure the government programs and services our residents rely on continue to function.

Thank you to Rep. Anthony Brown, our Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter, and Dr. Monica Goldson for joining our Tele-Town Hall this evening to provide critical updates to our community.

If you have additional COVID-19 questions, call our hotline at 301-883-6627. You can also visit our dedicated website at http://health.mypgc.us/coronavirus #PGCCOVID19

If you have questions about volunteering or want to volunteer, sign up for our Proud Corps volunteer program. For more information, you can call 301-952-4724.