Supplemental declaration of municipal emergency

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, the State of Rhode Island Governor, Gina M. Raimondo, issued Executive Order 20-02 declaring a state of emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva, issued Executive Order 2020-004 declaring a state of municipal emergency 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 April 17, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Mayor DaSilva issued Executive Orders 2020-005 and 2020-007 which restricted the number of persons who can gather in public to ten (10) persons; and

WHEREAS, on March 25, 2020, Governor Raimondo and Dr. Alexander-Scott announced new guidelines issued by the Department of Business Regulation for retailers and grocers as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

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 1: Concerning Retailers and Grocers
•All retailers and grocers shall not allow more than 20% of stated fire capacity in the store at a time.
•All retailers and grocers shall require staff to count the number of customers entering and exiting the store, and enforce the limits of this order.
•All retailers and grocers shall clearly mark 6’ spacing in lines and other high-traffic areas.
•All retailers and grocers shall designate employees to monitor social distancing and assist customers.
•All retailers and grocers shall maximize space between customers and employees at checkout.
•All retailers and grocers shall designate employee(s) to ensure the cleaning guidelines set by the CDC are followed.
•All retailers and grocers shall discontinue self-serve foods and product sampling.
•All retailers and grocers shall offer exclusive hours for those in high-risk populations, including seniors, where stores will restrict entrance to maintain 10% of fire capacity.

Section 2: Suspension of Reusable Carryout Bag Initiative Ordinance

•Article IV Sec.7-76-80 of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of East Providence, entitled “Reusable Carryout Bag Initiative,” is hereby suspended until further notice.

This Order shall take effect on March, 26 2020 at 5:00pm and remain in full force and effect through April 17, 2020, unless further extended by and with the consent of the City Council.

So Ordered:
Roberto L. DaSilva
Mayor