Coventry Public Works Limited By Coronavirus; No Bulk Pickups

COVENTRY, RI — The Coventry Public Works Department is limiting services and changing schedules after a "large number" of employees became ill or had to go into quarantine for possible exposure to the coronavirus.

Starting Nov. 30, the department will move to a split shift schedule, which will protect employees by keeping them more separated while allowing services to continue. Curbside trash and recycling will continue to be the first priority, the department said in a statement.

"We appreciate your understanding as these are scary times for all essential employees," the department said. "All of us at DPW will be working extra hard to make up for being short-staffed."

Until further notice, no new bulk pickups appointments will be accepted. The new schedule means that there will be limited staff available for yard waste pickup. Residents are asked not to call the department if their yard waste is not collected on their usual day, since office staff will be limited, as well. It will be collected as soon as possible, the department said, or residents can bring it to the department themselves.

The transfer station will remain open during regular business hours.