Coronavirus In Newport: State Of Emergency Extended

NEWPORT, RI — The City of Newport has extended its state of emergency for an additional 30 days to help address the coronavirus pandemic. The City Council approved the measure unanimously in a special, remote session on Monday.

The state of emergency was declared during a special Newport City Council session on March 15.

In addition, the city government is asking all out-of-state travelers and seasonal residents coming into the city to self-quarantine for 14 days. In particular, part-time residents from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts coming to their Newport homes are asked to stay at home and self-monitor for symptoms to help slow the spread of the virus.

"With a large population of seasonal and part-time residents, we are acutely aware of the potential for community spread associated with interstate travel," the city said in a release.

This week, the Rhode Island Department of Health said most new cases are connected with domestic travel rather than international travel, and Governor Gina Raimondo has called for anyone flying into the state to self-quarantine. National Guard members have been stationed inside T.F. Green Airport to greet incoming travelers and collect information to help with contact tracing.

Newport's stay-at-home recommendation remains voluntary at this time, unlike Block Island, which called for an island-wide shelter-in-place on Monday.

Don't miss updates about the latest coronavirus updates in Rhode Island as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

"While the City currently does not have any plans to issue a formal stay-in-place order, we are continuing to respond to guidance provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Governor’s Office and further restrictions are possible," the city said.

Newport residents are reminded that all close-contact businesses, such as nail salons, gyms and movie theaters are closed following an executive order from the governor. The city's public recreation facilities such as basketball courts and playgrounds have also been shut down for the time being.

Beaches remain open at this time, though the city said officials will"be vigilant in monitoring" for gatherings of 10 people or more.

Read more:

• What Restaurants Are Open In Newport County? | Coronavirus In RI
  
• Salve Regina, CCRI Extend Online Classes, Cancel Commencement
  
• Coronavirus In RI: State Leaders To Vote On $300M Line Of Credit
• Coronavirus In RI: Child, Elder Care Services Available
  
• Rhode Island's Primary Rescheduled To June 2: Coronavirus
  
• Honeywell To Increase Production Of N95 Masks In RI: Coronavirus