News

Here's What you Need to Know about our Temporary Food Distribution Program

Monday, March 30, 2020

Weekly Foodstuffs Available to Newport Residents

 NEWPORT, R.I. (Monday, March 30, 2020) -- The City of Newport on Monday announced that it will be opening a weekly drive up food distribution site at the Pell Elementary School beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2020. The temporary distribution site will be set up every Wednesday through April 29^th.
 
The distribution site will be open from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Read more »

Out-of-State Travelers Urged to Self-Quarantine

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Seasonal residents, Visitors Asked to Self-Quarantine  

NEWPORT, R.I (Tuesday, March 24, 2020) ­ -- Following the recommendation of Gov. Gina Raimondo, the City of Newport is instructing all out-of-state travelers and seasonal residents to self-quarantine upon visiting the City for a period of two weeks.

Homeowners and seasonal residents travelling from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts are particularly urged to stay inside. Any other travelers visiting from locations with confirmed cases of COVID-19, or who may have come in contact with anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms are also asked to practice social distancing and self-quarantine. Read more »

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.

Read more »

City Offices Closed Effective March 23

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Departments to Remain Fully Staffed, Residents Urged to Use Online Services  
 
NEWPORT, R.I (Friday, March 20, 2020) ­ -- In light of current concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak, please note that all City Offices will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 23.

While City Hall had previously been limited to essential city business only for the last week, beginning Monday, City offices will be available strictly by phone, email, or on a limited appointment only basis. Individual departments will remain fully staffed and any residents, establishments or entities who have ongoing business with the City are encouraged to conduct it online or via telephone. Read more »

Residents Being Reminded to Dispose Responsibly

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Residents reminded that “flushable” wipes can lead to costly sewer backups  

NEWPORT, R.I (Wednesday, March 18, 2020) ­ -- The Department of Utilities  is urging all  residents in Newport to refrain from flushing disinfectant wipes – including those labeled “flushable” – and instead, to dispose of them in the trash. Read more »

City Announces Financial Relief Programs

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Resident Parking Delayed, Utility Shut-offs also Suspended  

NEWPORT, R.I (Tuesday, March 17, 2020) ­– The City of Newport on Tuesday announced a new series of financial relief measures aimed at easing the potential economic impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Effective immediately, the City will abate all penalties and interest on Fourth Quarter taxes due on May 5^th until June 30, 2020. All taxes must be paid by June 30, 2020 unless other arrangements have been made with the City and approved. Read more »

City Offices to Remain Open with Limited Services

Monday, March 16, 2020

City Seeking to Limit Spread of Covid-19 at City Offices  

NEWPORT, R.I (Monday, March 16, 2020) – Seeking to limit the potential spread of COVID-19, the City of Newport announced on Monday that City Hall and offices will remain fully staffed, however with limited in-person services in place for the remainder of the month. Once again, the City is urging Newporters to take advantage of the City’s online and mail-in services.
 
Effective Tuesday, March 17^th, the following department hours and operations will be in place: Read more »

City Declares State of Emergency

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Public Meetings Cancelled, City Offices to Remain Open

NEWPORT, R.I (Sunday, March 15, 2020) — The City of Newport has declared a State of Emergency in order to more effectively address the threat presented by the COVID-19 virus.

The declaration, which was signed into effect by City Manager Joseph J. Nicholson, Jr. on Sunday, follows a recommendation from Gov. Gina Raimondo and will be in place until further notice. Its intent is to provide the City with more flexibility to manage day-to-day operations in light of the evolving nature of the situation. Read more »

City Announces New Measures on Mass Gatherings

Friday, March 13, 2020

Events, Venues with Over 250 May be Subject to Penalties

NEWPORT, R.I (Friday, March 13, 2020) – The City of Newport on Friday announced new measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, including stepped up enforcement of large gatherings as State health officials urged municipalities to plan for the worst, but work toward to the best.

In a letter to Newport’s business community, City Manager Joseph J. Nicholson said, “In light of the Governor’s strong admonishment, we’re urging the City’s entire hospitality community to heed the advice outlined by the Rhode Island Department of Health for limiting the spread of COVID-19 and cancel any gathering of 250 people or more.” Read more »

Newport Recreation Suspends all Youth & Adult Programming

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Youth Activities to Continue as Scheduled until Further Notice

[Updated Friday, March 13, 2019]: Please note that all Youth Programs have also been cancelled through March 26th. 

NEWPORT, R.I (Thursday, March 12, 2020) – In an effort to limit the potential spread of COVID-19, Newport Recreation has suspended all scheduled programming for the next two weeks. This includes all pickelball programming and adult walking and rentals at The Hut.

The decision follows guidance received by the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Governor’s Office aimed at reducing the spread of the virus through social distancing.
  Read more »