Largo, Maryland (April 1, 2020) – With the reality of no exact end date to the coronavirus pandemic, Prince George’s County officials today rolled out various plans to help residents and businesses make it through the crisis.  County Executive Angela Alsobrooks acknowledged the county has not yet reached the peak of the crisis with experts predicting a surge in cases in the coming weeks.  “We have already seen more than 350 cases in the county and we are really preparing to see an escalation, said Alsobrooks.

The county has set up what it calls a “COVID-19 Business Relief Fund, setting aside 15 million dollars in loans and grants for county small businesses and non-profits.  Ten million of those dollars were approved yesterday by the county council.  The application process is open from April 13th through May 15th and to apply businesses must also show they have sought assistance from the federal and state level.  The application website is www.pgcedc.com.

The county is also throwing out a safety net for residents.  “Right now in Prince George’s County we have exceeded 10,000 layoffs and have seen a 28% increase in unemployed residents, said Alsobrooks.  Employ Prince George’s is launching the “Hourly Employee Assistance Fund.”  The fund is available for hourly county workers who earn less than $19.00 an hour.  Those workers can get a “cash card” for up to $200.  Residents who need assistance or have any questions during the crisis can call 301-883-6627.

“We really have got to do this together.  We got to ride this storm out.  We’re going to make it through this.  We’re gonna absolutely make it through the other side and it will be because we care for each other, added Alsobrooks.