Coronavirus: Middletown Beaches Will Look Different This Summer

MIDDLETOWN, RI — On the day Gov. Gina Raimondo expressed optimism about opening up parts of the state's economy amid the new coronavirus health emergency, and easing some restrictions regarding about parks and beaches across the state, Middletown Town Council President Robert Sylvia issued a letter saying that Middletown beaches will look much different this summer, if they are open at all.

"Our Middletown beaches this year will not be business as usual like they have been for the last 50 years," Sylvia said in the letter to town residents. "If they are opened, we will have to
(put in) place modifications and restrictions in line with accepted COVID-19 protective guidelines."

Sylvia said the opening of beaches this summer is one of the most frequently asked questions he faces on a weekly basis.

"More and more people are politely asking me if our Middletown beaches will open for the season," he said. "My initial response is that we will make this decision based on facts, on data supplied by state and federal Health organizations, CDC recommendations and what have been the best validated practices that have slowed or even stopped this virus from spreading. As we evaluate this tough decision, we will look for guidance from our public health professionals and we will remain conscious to the fact that we must have a complete understanding of the potential related risks to our residents and to our town's financial solvency."

If all goes well over the next two weeks, the state will enter Phase One after the stay-at-home order expires on May 8, Gov. Raimondo said on Monday. Because the reopening process will be gradual, the first few days "will not seem very different from May 7 and 8," she said.

Social distancing requirements will still be in place as the state begins the first steps of reopening the economy. While businesses and workplaces will begin to reopen, most people will continue to work from home, and restaurants will remain closed to dining in for the near future.

She said Phase One will include group limits going from five to 10 people, and the opening of some state parks and beaches.