Stay Home For The Holidays, Prince George's County Leaders Say

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY — With Thanksgiving fast-approaching, Prince George's County urged residents to stay home for the holidays. County leaders have repeated the message frequently, reminding residents of the ongoing fall coronavirus surge.

"All of us are tired of COVID-19," Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said at a Nov. 12 press conference. "But it is so imperative that we just stay the course."

Alsobrooks introduced more coronavirus regulations during that conference. Her latest executive order tightened social gathering restrictions ahead of the holiday season.

In Prince George's County, indoor gatherings are now capped at 10 attendees or one person per 200 square feet of space, whichever is lower. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 visitors or one person per 200 square feet of space, whichever is lower.

"The faster we comply, the better off we’ll be," Alsobrooks added.

Recent research suggested there is a 30 percent chance that somebody in a crowd of 25 in Prince George's County would have the virus. Those odds drop to 14 percent in a group of 10, the study predicted.

Residents can reduce this risk by wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, gathering outdoors and decreasing group size, the researchers added.

Prince George's County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter has repeatedly reminded residents that they are safest spending the holidays at home. Families should only celebrate with members of their household, he advised.

Carter also encouraged residents to find virtual ways to enjoy family company. He suggested hosting family video calls during holiday dinners.

"You’re loved ones will still love you," Carter said at the press conference. "I know mine do."

If residents must travel, the health officer asked them to take their own cars when possible. He told Prince Georgians to stay home if they are sick, have recently been in contact with somebody who is ill or are waiting for coronavirus test results.

"The virus is spreading rapidly," Carter said. "This is not the time."

To catch up on Prince George's County's coronavirus trends, click here.

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