COVID-19 UPDATE

Rhode Island’s governor, Gina Raimondo, has declared a state of emergency and issued a stay-at-home order for residents. Residents not in quarantine may leave home to buy essentials, get outdoor exercise and to work, if they are unable to work at home. At all times, including outdoors, they must observe social distancing of six feet between household groups. They are asked not to gather in groups of more than five people and to limit others to the same group each day, whether social or at work.

Travelers to Rhode Island from any other state must self quarantine on arrival; this order includes commuters but not those from out of state here on business. In addition, anyone in the state who shows signs of cold or flu or has been in contact with people with COVID-19 must self-quarantine. People in quarantine may not leave their houses at all. Police will stop passenger vehicles with out-of-state license plates to get their contact information to verify their quarantine. Those with signs of illness should avoid others even in their own households until they have had no fever for six days without taking medicine; they may end their quarantine when their symptoms clear up. Travelers and those who have been in contact with people with COVID-19 may end their quarantine after 14 days.

Entertainment, recreation and other nonessential retail and close-contact businesses are closed. Restaurants have suspended dining-in services, but many continue to offer takeout and delivery services. State parks and beaches will close on April 3; physical distancing of a minimum six feet between household groups will be enforced. For more detailed information, refer to the Rhode Island Department of Health.