Executive Order 2020-026: Supplemental Declaration of Municipal Emergency - Open Non-Critical Businesses

Supplemental Declaration of Municipal Emergency
Executive Order 2020-026
May 13, 2020

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, Governor Gina M. Raimondo declared a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by COVID-19; and 

WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva, issued Executive Order 2020-004 declaring a state of municipal emergency within the City of East Providence due to the outbreak of COVID-19; and 

WHEREAS, the East Providence City Council ratified the Declaration of Municipal Emergency at a meeting on March 17, 2020 and authorized its extension through May 19, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the number of persons testing positive for COVID-19 in Rhode Island has begun to stabilize; and  

WHEREAS, for the wellbeing of the residents of the city, East Providence may now begin to reopen its businesses under certain restrictions, outlined herein, in order to maintain the health and safety of all the city’s residents and to help alleviate the economic burden due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the Mayor of the City of East Providence, pursuant to the Rhode Island General Laws and the Home Rule Charter of the City of East Providence, do hereby order and direct the following: 

 Section 4: Non-Critical Retail Businesses

1. All non-critical retail businesses with a physical location in East Providence shall be permitted to re-open for in-store pickup and limited browsing only. Such non-critical retail businesses may allow up to one customer per 300 square feet of store area open to customers generally. 
2. Non-critical retail businesses will be required to operate in accordance with the social distancing protocols, guidance and regulations set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and any other law applicable to noncritical retail businesses.
3. Except as provided above, all other in-person operations of non-critical retail businesses shall continue to be prohibited.

 Section 5: Further Relief for Restaurants

1. Section 3-7-7 of the Rhode Island General Laws requiring a Class B licensee to sell alcohol for consumption only on the premises shall continue to be suspended. A Class B licensee will now be permitted to sell, with take-out food orders, up to 2 bottles of wine, 144 ounces of beer or mixed beverages in original factory sealed containers, and 144 ounces of draft beer or 72ounces of mixed beverages containing not more than 9 ounces of distilled spirits in growlers, bottles or other containers sealed in such a way as to prevent re-opening without obvious evidence that the seal was removed or broken,  provided such sales shall be made in accordance with Section 1.4.10 of the Department of  Business Regulation (DBR) Liquor Control Administration Regulations, 230-RICR-30-10-1 and any guidance or other DBR regulations. Any restaurant, bar or establishment that offers beer, mixed beverages or wine pursuant to this Order must do so in accordance with the social distancing protocols, regulations and guidance set forth by RIDOH.
2. Restaurants, bars and establishments that offer food and drink shall continue not to permit on-premises consumption of food or drink except in outdoor portions of the licensed premises as determined by the local licensing authority on or after a date set by the Director of DBR. Such establishments may continue to offer food and beverages for take-out and delivery.

Section 6: Continued Restrictions on Recreation, Entertainment Establishments and Close-Contact Businesses

1. All recreation and entertainment establishments shall continue to cease in-person operations. Recreation and entertainment establishments subject to this Order include, but are not limited to, theaters, cinemas, sporting events, bowling alleys, concert venues, and museums.
2.  All close-contact businesses (businesses which cannot maintain social distancing with their customers) including, but not limited to, gymnasiums, fitness centers and similar exercise facilities, hair salons and barbershops, nail salons, spas and tattoo parlors shall continue to cease in-person operations.

This Order shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect through May 19, 2020, unless further extended.