I wanted to share below the information from the Maryland State Department of Education http://marylandpublicschools.org/Pages/default.aspx

On May 6, 2020, the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools announced the closure of schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic school year.  

Online and distance learning opportunities will continue. To guide school systems and school communities on the path forward, the State Department of Education has released a comprehensive plan for long-term recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

The “Maryland Together: Maryland's Recovery Plan for Education” was drafted in collaboration with the State Board, local school superintendents, and with input from a wide array of stakeholders throughout our State. This document lays the groundwork for the coming months as we maintain and improve upon online learning opportunities and identifies methods for recovering any lost instruction time that has occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The plan also establishes the foundation for school systems as they begin to consider how they will bring students and educators back into school buildings once they are able to in a safe way.

For Immediate Release:
March 29, 2020
For More Information:
Gina Ford
Communications Director
Office of the County Executive
Prince George’s County
w. 301.952.4670
c. 202.744.3308
[email protected]

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY TO OPEN SCREENING CLINIC IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 TOMORROW

Screening Clinic Has Limited Testing Capability For Those Meeting Stringent CDC Guidelines

LANDOVER, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced today that the Prince George's County COVID-19 screening site at FedEXField will open at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, March 30, 2020. The media staging area for the screening site will be in the western corner of Lot A, which is opposite the screening site. Reporters and photographers will be able to stand anywhere between parking pillars A64-A65 and A74-A75, and the area will be roped off.

On Friday, March 27, the Health Department learned that a member of the Maryland National Guard tested positive for COVID-19. The Maryland National Guard took the appropriate steps to care for their personnel and we feel confident in moving forward with our partners to open the site tomorrow. In addition, the site was cleaned over the weekend using industrial cleaning solutions.

“When we were made aware a member of the Maryland National Guard tested positive for COVID-19, officials from the County, State, National Guard and the Redskins worked through the necessary steps to ensure we could open the screening site as scheduled,” said Alsobrooks. “I am truly proud of the collaborative effort with all our partners that will help us serve our communities in need during these very uncertain times.”

This screening site is designed to alleviate the pressure on primary care physicians, hospitals, and health care facilities that will likely increase in the coming weeks due to COVID-19. Those who normally go to hospitals or emergency rooms to receive primary health care, are highly encouraged to seek a telehealth appointment through the Prince George’s County Health
Department if they believe they have been exposed and are exhibiting symptoms associated with this virus.

This site is primarily a screening area that will have limited testing capabilities for those people who meet stringent CDC testing guidelines. This site is accessible by appointment only, and the process is as follows:

***Walkups exhibiting no symptoms will not be tested. Those with prescriptions from primary care physicians or other health care providers will still need to make an appointment through the Prince George’s Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline and telehealth services by calling 301-883-6627.

1. Call the Prince George's County Health Department Coronavirus hotline at (301) 883-6627 to schedule an initial telehealth screening.

2. The telehealth medical professional will speak to the caller to obtain information to determine if the patient meets the CDC testing requirements.

3. If the caller meets CDC testing guidelines, they will receive an appointment time and an appointment number (from 1 to 100 **MUST KEEP ASSIGNED APPOINTMENTNUMBER) to go to the FedExField site on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday- they must show up at their appointment time, with their appointment number, and be able to answer questions based on their telehealth screening.

4. Upon arriving at the testing site, the individual will receive instruction from law enforcement as to where to park and when to exit their vehicle.

5. The individual will walk to the checkpoint and give their appointment number, then they will be escorted to a tent based on their symptoms.

6. If the individual meets testing requirements outlined by the CDC, they will be escorted to the testing tent. Following the testing, the individual will be given instructions on home self-care, and social distancing.

7. Those who do not meet CDC guidelines will not be tested. Those individuals who do not meet criteria but are symptomatic will receive instructions on home self-care and   self-isolation, as needed. Those individuals who are asymptomatic will receive
instructions on home self-care and social distancing. The individual will then be escorted to the exit. 

The clinic will be primarily staffed by Prince George’s County Health Department officials with support from the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland National Guard, the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps, and the University of Maryland Medical System. 

Yesterday, I made trip to the Costco store in Brandywine, MD to pick up food and essentials for everyday living.  As I drove into the parking lot, I noticed how crowded it was for a weekday afternoon.  Grocery list in hand, I had great expectations of what items would be available because after all, this is Costco.  Even with the current CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) pandemic spreading across the US and the world, I was confident that Costco would be well stocked. Not exactly!

As I walked into the store and flashed my Costco membership card, the ID checker pleasantly wiped down the handlebar on my shopping cart with disinfectant.  I was glad Costco is taking active measures to stop the spread of the CORONAVIRUS.

Once in the store, I headed straight to the meat department.  As I approached the display cases for chicken and fish, I immediately saw they were empty. “Wow” I said to myself.  I then made my way over to the other cases where beef and pork are displayed.  The first thing I noticed was there was no more ground beef.  So much for my brontosaurus burgers I wanted to make, I thought to myself.  However, some of the more expensive beef items were available, like briskets and steaks.  I was able to pick up one of the last three pot roasts (2 pack) for $26 so I was happy.

Next on my list was bread, so I casually pushed my cart over to that area and I noticed the scarcity as I approached the bread racks. Luckily, I was able to find a 2 pack of my favorite brand.

Going down my list, next was water, paper towels and toilet tissue which are generally stored in the same area in most Costco stores.  Once again as I approached, I could see they were completely out of all paper products.

Lastly, I needed to get some eggs.  So again, I made my way over to the glass refrigerated rooms where eggs, milk, etc. is normally stored…….and yes!  There were eggs available. However, there was one catch as the signed read “SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE, THERE IS A LIMIT OF 1 PACKAGE OF EGGS, PER MEMBER, PER DAY”. Well, I had no choice but to pick up that 1 package of eggs (24 ct).  I wasn’t disappointed though. I normally purchase 1 pack anyway.

At this point I was bit dissatisfied with my Costco experience, so I had to mosey on up to the check-out line. Interesting enough, there was only one check out line although several cashier lanes were open.  Three employees were ushering members to the cashiers.  My assumption was they were trying to limit any potential chaos and keep the line moving rapidly......and they were doing a good job of it.  

So, my hat is off to you Costco.  I understand.  It’s as simple as supply and demand due to the CORONAVIRUS pandemic. People are beginning to panic.  The Governor of Maryland has closed bars, restaurants, and casinos. Schools are already closed for two weeks.  Hopefully, most grocery stores in the area will soon be able to keep up with the demand during this pandemic. 

High quality patient care is on it's way to Prince George's County!  The county had a ground-breaking ceremony a few weeks ago to begin construction of the new regional medical center that will sit on 26 acres  (the old "Cap Centre at the Boulevard" shopping grounds).   The new hospital will include a cancer center, a self-contained pediatric hospital, a stroke center and programs in neuroscience, women’s health and orthopedic medicine.  It is planned to open in March 2021.

Click here to read more........

This is a spectacular event which is open to the public.  Featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights.  The 2017 Joint Base Andrews Air Show 

I am Angelo Rhodes, a Buyer's agent located in Upper Marlboro, MD where I not only specialize but, live in Upper Marlboro.  I'll help you find the right home, give you the best possible advice on home values, what you should pay, and help you negotiate a comfortable price.  When you are ready to begin your house hunting adventure in Upper Marlboro and surrounding areas, call me at 240-535-1855.   I love showing homes!

Take a look at construction progress as I drove through the new Westphalia Towncenter in Upper Marlboro, MD.  You'll notice several styles of townhomes as they are being built.  The next phase of development will be retail and shopping.

Just moments ago I pressed the "publish" button and this is the first post on my new blog.  I'm Angelo Rhodes of Taylor Properties.  I live in Upper Marlboro, MD in the wonderful subdivision of Hollaway Estates.  I'm a family man with lots of women in my life!  That is......a wife, 2 daughters (grown women in the millennial category) , 2 grand-daughters (ages 5 and 8) who boss me around, and my 78 year old Mother who still smokes Newport cigarettes with no intention of quitting any time soon! I have 2 older brothers who are retired and drive for Lyft when they feel like it.  They like to borrow money from me frequently.  My youngest brother is passionate about helping the youth these days.  Some days I wish I had a sister!

In the upcoming weeks I hope you'll find my blog informative and a bit funny.  I also hope you will enjoy looking at the pictures and videos I'll be posting as I'm out-and-about driving through neighborhoods, showing properties, eating good food, flying my drone and working in my vegetable garden.  Thanks!