State Of Emergency In Coventry: Coronavirus In Rhode Island

COVENTRY, RI — A state of emergency has been declared in Coventry as Rhode Islanders work to slow the spread of the new coronavirus in the state. Several additional town buildings have been closed to the public.

The declaration was made official by the Town Council on Monday. While the town is under the state of emergency, all entertainment licenses and special event permits have been revoked, including concerts, live music, night clubs and more. No new permits will be issued until at least March 30. In addition, town meetings will be suspended, following Governor Raimondo's suspension of the Open Meetings Law. She encouraged town governments to hold meetings over the phone or video conference.

The declaration will remain in place until March 23.

The following buildings are closed to the public until further notice.

• Libraries: Both branches of the library are closed to the public.
• Town Hall: Restricted access. Employees will be on-site to answer phones from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting Wednesday. Visit the town's website for more information, or call 401-821-6400.
• Parks and Recreation: All buildings closed for public entry. Staff will be on-site, call 401-822-9107 with questions. All events are canceled until further notice.
• Public Works: Closed for public entry, call 401-822-9163 during normal business hours with questions or to make an appointment. Transfer station will close on Wednesday, and there will be no bulk pickup until further notice. Garbage pickup will continue as normal.
• Building/Planning/Zoning: Building department closed to public entry, call 401-822-9156 during normal business hours to make an appointment. Inspections will be completed as scheduled.
• Resource and Senior Center: Closed until further notice; all upcoming events canceled. Call 401-822-9175 during regular business hours with questions.