FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 31, 2021
CONTACT INFO. :
Office of the Mayor
Patricia Resende
(401) 529-3207
City of East Providence closes Senior & Recreation Centers
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of East Providence Senior and Recreation Centers will close and cancel all programs effective immediately, under Executive Order 2021-018, due to the prevalence and transmissibility of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the increased number of employees who have contracted the virus.
The closures and cancellations will continue until Jan. 14, 2022 and will be re-evaluated at that time. The move is in an attempt to #StopTheSpread of the virus.
During this two-week period, the Senior Center will transition to Grab and Go lunches and home delivery of lunches will be made available for those seniors who are unable to drive to the Center.
The Senior Center does not deliver lunches to residents staying outside of East Providence. Seniors, who would like to order a lunch for pick up or delivery, are asked to contact our Dining Room Manager Cindy by calling 401-270-1814.
In addition, all East Providence boards and commission meetings scheduled to meet in person during the two week period ending on January 14, 2022 are cancelled unless the Honorable Governor or General Assembly takes executive or legislative action to amend the Open Meetings Act to allow for virtual/remote member attendance and public participation.
City buildings continue to mandate masks for all visitors and employees whether or not they are vaccinated.
Residents needing assistance with scheduling COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, food and other resources may call the Senior Center at 401-435-7800 or the COVID-19 Hotline at 401-533-9812 or visit https://www.eastprovidenceri.gov/COVID-19.
Executive Order 2021-018
DECEMBER 31, 2021
CLOSING THE EAST PROVIDENCE SENIOR AND RECREATIONAL CENTER AND CANCELLING ALL MEETINGS OF CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our nation, our state, and the City of East Providence;
WHEREAS, the City of East Providence continues to coordinate a comprehensive response to ever-changing events and circumstances on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, containing community spread of the virus is of critical importance to the long term health and safety of our residents, city employees, and others within our community; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence and transmissibility of the COVID-19 omicron variant has caused an increase in infections; and
WHEREAS, city employees have also contracted the virus further hampering the City’s ability to provide some services.
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:
- Effective Saturday, January 1, 2022, the East Providence Senior Center will be closed and all programs and activities are cancelled until January 14, 2022;
- All City Boards and Commission meetings scheduled to meet in person during the two-week period ending on January 14, 2022 are cancelled unless the Honorable Governor or General Assembly takes executive or legislative action to amend the Open Meetings Act to allow for virtual/remote member attendance and public participation.
- The East Providence Recreation Center is closed effective January 1, 2022 and all recreational programs are suspended/cancelled until January 14, 2022.
This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect through January 14, 2022.
So Ordered:
Roberto L. DaSilva
Mayor