Coronavirus: East Providence To Close Libraries, Senior Center

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva's office announced on Friday an executive order to close the city's three libraries and senior center. The order came on the same day that Gov. Gina Raimondo announced a statewide order to close all Rhode Island Public Schools for one week while a determination is made about potential online learning if classes cannot resume on March 23.

The directive said gatherings of more than 100 people are discouraged.

The Weaver Library, Riverside Library and Fuller Creative Learning Center were closed, along with the Robert E. Rock Senior Center. Until further notice, all recreation programs and activity at the facility have been canceled.

There are nine new positive cases of the new coronavirus in Rhode Island, Gov. Raimondo announced on Friday, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 14. All public schools will be closed next week, the governor said.

"I know tensions are rising. The tone of this crisis has changed, even in the past few hours," Raimondo said. "It's time for us to take collectively take a deep breath. Panic is not helpful. Spreading misinformation is dangerous."

Previously scheduled April vacation will be moved up to next week, the governor said, allowing school leaders to create at-home learning plans in the event that the closure needs to be extended beyond one week.

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