Additional Limits on Social Gatherings Effective Sunday, November 22
November 17, 2020
PROVIDENCE, R.I.— Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan and City officials today announced an executive order that will issue additional COVID-19 guidelines to go into effect on Sunday, November 22.
“As we continue to see cases rise across our state, it is time that we do more to protect our community,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “The strategic approach we are taking today and over the course of the next few weeks is what will help save lives. We need everyone to be a part of the solution and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The executive order provides targeted interventions at proven points of transmission to stop the local spread of COVID-19. It includes reducing the State’s current limit on social gatherings from 10 to five people or only those within your immediate household. Additionally, catered events will be limited to 10 people for indoor events and 25 people outdoors. Organizers will be required to submit a Special Events permit accompanied by a COVID-19 Event Control Plan for events above the City’s recommended gathering limits. The City will work closely with the organizers of previously scheduled events to accommodate where possible.
“Providence has been and continues to be one of the hardest-hit communities due to this ongoing pandemic,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “We must do everything in our power to keep our City running, but also balance the safety of our residents and City employees.”
These guidelines are in addition to those outlined in the Governor’s latest executive order. A stay-at-home advisory will remain in place on weeknights 10PM to 5AM and 10:30PM to 5AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Restaurants can continue to offer take-out, delivery and pick-up options in addition to indoor dining, with table sizes limited to eight or your immediate household. Residents are asked to practice social distancing and to wear a mask any time they leave their home or when in contact with individuals not a part of their immediate household.
City Hall will continue to offer limited in-person services aligned with the latest health and safety guidelines. Providence Municipal Court has ceased arraignments and hearings until further notice. The City continues to offer all Providence youth free grab and go meals Monday through Thursday after school hours at tented locations outside of 11 of the city’s recreation centers. Other essential city services can continue to be accessed remotely and local resources are available as defined on our website.
For more information on COVID-19 and best practices you can share, residents can visit our website, call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visiting www.PVD311.com or downloading the PVD311 mobile app on your smartphone for 24/7 access. Residents can register to receive CodeRED emergency notifications by phone, email, text, and/or mobile alerts for the latest updates from the City and to reach out to the Rhode Island Department of Health’s COVID-19 Assistance Line at 401-222-8022 Monday through Friday during regular business hours should they have additional questions.