City Extends State of Emergency

Monday, March 23, 2020

Recreational, Close-Contact Businesses to Close

NEWPORT, R.I (Monday, March 23, 2020) — The City Council voted 7-0 in a special remote session on Monday afternoon to extend Newport’s Emergency Declaration for 30 days in order to more effectively address the threat presented by the COVID-19 virus.

The City is also reminding residents and businesses to abide by an order issued by Gov. Gina Rainondo that requires all public recreation and entertainment establishments including theaters, cinemas, and sporting events  cease operations no later than Monday, March 23^rd at 5 p.m.  Close contact businesses such as nail salons, hairdressers, barbershops, spas, and gym facilities are also directed to close.

All other businesses remaining open must, to the extent practicable, implement CDC guidance to ensure social distancing  including:

• Maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet between persons;
• Ensuring employees practice appropriate hygiene measures, including regular, thorough handwashing;
• Ensuring their employees who are sick remain home;
• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces

In addition, the City will be enforcing limits on gatherings of more than 10 people until further notice.

The City is also asking should an employer have employees that are unable to perform their normal functions via telework or work-from-home arrangements, that only critical personnel be required to work on the business premises.

City offices will also remain closed until further notice with all City business conducted either online or by phone, email, or on a limited appointment only basis. 

All municipal board and commission meetings, including the Newport City Council, Zoning and Planning Boards, and Historic District Commission remain cancelled while Municipal and Probate Courts are also suspended.

Finally, in addition to following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Rhode Island Department of Health, Newporters are encouraged  to sign up for the City’s Emergency Alert system at www.CityofNewport.com/Alerts. A full list of cancellations and advisories can be found on the City’s dedicated COVID-19 website at www.CityofNewport.com/COVID19. 

Questions related to the City’s response to the COVID-19 virus can also be directed to COVIDQuestions@CityofNewport.com.