This announcement was originally published by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors held a special virtual meeting on April 22 on COVID-19 coordination and approved principles for reopening the National Capital Region once it is safe to do so. To that end, the board approved a resolution and statement directing local city and county managers to work together to develop a coordinated, safe, and scientifically-informed strategy. The board also urged area residents to continue the social distancing actions that are slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair Ann Wheeler noted the value of regional cooperation on COVID-19, saying it has contributed to procurement [of equipment], cooperation of residents staying home, and ”it will matter as we begin a slow and measured response to reopening.”

“I appreciate that while [the statement] tells our constituents that we are working together to plan the reopening of the region, it begins by stressing the time is not now and we continue to need the public to stay at home and practice social distancing, said Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner.

D.C. Council member Robert C. White, Jr. said the commitment to coordinate is essential given the region’s interconnectedness. “Our borders are porous… so in both addressing the public health aspect [of COVID-19] and tour recovery, we know that we operate, we function, we rise and fall as a region.”  

Read the full announcement here.