Communication and information sharing over the past several weeks among local government leaders has helped lay the groundwork for coordination on addressing COVID-19 and safe reopening strategies.
Area officials discussed this and other aspects of their reopening planning at the COG Board of Directors meeting on May 13.
Regional Approaches in Virginia and Maryland
On May 10, the leadership of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and the City of Alexandria asked Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to exempt Northern Virginia from his plans to begin reopening on May 15, which the governor accepted. The area accounts for "half of the Commonwealth's COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths," read the letter. The request was backed by a collective assessment from the jurisdictions' health directors that revealed the area has not yet met the necessary metrics for a safe, successful reopening.
“The actions that we take in Northern Virginia need to be in alignment with surburban Maryland as we approach this pandemic,” said Justin Wilson, City of Alexandria Mayor.
In Maryland, Governor Larry Hogan announced lifting the Stay at Home order on May 15 for the state and beginning a gradual reopening under a Safer at Home order. He also empowered local jurisdictions to determine the timing of their reopenings. Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Kleine told the board that the county would not yet be ready to reopen.
In the District of Columbia, Mayor Muriel Bowser extended her Stay at Home order through June 8 saying that the District does not yet meet its health criteria to begin the reopening process.
Speaking to the COG Board, Arlington County Public Health Director Dr. Reuben Varghese and Prince George's County Deputy CAO for Health and Human Services Dr. George Askew, said that they continue to rely on data, particularly regional data, to make these decisions, rather than remain fixated on dates.
"As part of our response related to COVID, we are keenly aware of the unique conditions in our county that aren't accounted for [by the] state and federally," said Dr. Askew. "You cannot do this in isolation. We know we have to work regionally. We should be aware of when we differ and why, and plan accordingly."
Providing Regional Data
COG is helping to provide members with this necessary data.
COG, in partnership with IEM, emergency managers, and health officials have developed a tool that provides seven-day projections of confirmed COVID-19 cases that can be used for operations planning. Additionally, they're able to track medical demand, including hospitalizations and ICU care.
COG has also partnered with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab on a regional Hospital Dashboard tool. This provides public health agencies and hospitals with information about the medical surge status of the region's hospitals.
Additionally, working with emergency managers to assess local needs for personal protective equipment, COG and area purchasing officers have coordinated regional orders of masks and medical gowns, saving jurisdictions time and money.
"What's struck me most is the importance of taking advantage of being a member of COG in this very critical moment in history," said Reuben Collins, Charles County Commissioner President. "COG provides us with an opportunity to listen to actions jurisdictions are taking as we combat the coronavirus and its spread."
Ensuring an Equitable Future
The COVID-19 crisis has brought the region's equity challenges to the forefront, making the topic central in conversations about reopening and recovery. Similar to national statistics, persons of color in the region have had a higher incidence of infections and deaths from the virus.
For example, an individual who has tested positive for the virus may have a more difficult time self-quarantining if they live in a crowded living situation. Some jurisdictions, particularly Prince George's County, have purchased hotel space for healthcare workers and first responders in this situation.
"Do we want to get back to a new normal that represents the social disparities of the past" or strive for a future "that we've all been working toward and accelerate toward that?," asked Dr. Askew.
Looking Ahead
COG and its members will continue to focus on the COVID-19 response and recovery, while also preparing for the possibility of future waves of infection. Recognizing the impact of the pandemic on local budgets, the board passed a resolution requesting additional, flexible federal assistance for states and localities.
"I'm so proud of all of you," said COG Board Vice Chair Christian Dorsey, Arlington County Board Member. "Not because we're doing the right things, but because we're being thoughtful. Using data to drive decisions. Not putting our communities at risk to respond to a certain date [for reopening] or something in the national conversation."
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Regional COVID-19 Resources
Hogan announces gradual reopening; D.C. shutdown extended through June 8 (Washington Post)