Coronavirus In RI: Coventry Closes Senior Center, Food Bank

COVENTRY, RI — Out of an abundance of caution, the Coventry Emergency Management Agency has chosen to close the town's senior center for the immediate future, to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Initial date shows that the virus affects the elderly more than others, making them a vulnerable population.

The Coventry Resource and Senior Center at 50 Wood Street will close, effectively immediately, until March 30. All planned events at the center will be canceled, and no programs or meals will be held, with the exception of Meals on Wheels deliveries, which will continue. Tax assistance will continue, as well.

In addition to the senior center, the Coventry Community Food Bank will also close its doors until the end of the month.

As of now, the town's Parks and Recreation Department will continue to operate as usual, though that could change as the situation develops. Residents are encouraged to check the status of individual programs to see if they are still being held. All cancellations will be posted on the department's social media, and refunds will be issued.

Cancellations/Postponements

• March 22: The Parks and Rec Department has canceled the trip to see Blue Man Group at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Refunds will be issued.
• Pickleball: Saturday morning pickleball, set to start on March 14, will instead begin on April 4.
• Friday evening bingo, sponsored by the Coventry Housing Authority, will not be held until further notice.
• The Coventry Public Library has rescheduled the following events, with the new dates to be announced later:
  • March 18: I Now Pronounce You Lucy Stone
  • March 21: Movie Screening
  • March 23: Daytime Book Discussion Group

At this time, the Bunny Hop Egg Hunt scheduled for April 4 will go on as planned. A final decision will be made by March 23.

Anyone with questions is asked to reach out to Frederick Heise, the acting Chief of Police and director of the town's EMA at fheise@coventrypd.org, or Edward Warzycha, the interim town manager, at ewarzycha@coventryri.org.

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