Parks Open, Residents Urged to Continue Following Social Distancing Practices
May 6, 2020
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced an executive order effective Saturday, May 9th that aligns current City guidance with the latest State guidance on mitigating the spread of COVID-19, extends some existing provisions and expands greenspace access for local use.
“We are working closely with State partners and health officials in taking a measured approach that reflects the needs of our community and keeps our residents safe,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “It is important now more than ever that every resident and business continue to follow the social distancing practices and hygiene guidelines that will prevent a second wave of cases. We continue to offer resources and testing to residents in need of these supports and have worked to expand those options for our city.”
Through this executive order, the following establishments, facilities, and operations will be open to the public:
- Providence parks, green spaces and bike paths will be open for local access and active use only.*
- Farmers’ markets can resume in public parks under RIDEM guidance.
- Non-essential retail establishments may open to the public, subject to all restrictions placed upon non-essential retail stores established by Executive Order of the Governor of Rhode Island.**
- Fitness centers and venues of all kinds; including gyms, health clubs, spas, aquatic centers, yoga studios, martial arts studios, massage parlors, etc. shall remain closed.
*Fields, courts, playgrounds, and parking at parks will remain closed. Gatherings of any kind in parks, green spaces, and bike paths will not be permitted.
** The Providence Place Mall will remain closed. Stores that offer separate entryways (unique to the individual store) may open to the public consistent with restrictions placed upon non-essential retail stores established by Executive Order of the Governor of Rhode Island.
Residents are urged to follow all current social distancing and hygiene practices and to wear masks when using these spaces in accordance with recent guidance provided by the Governor. Additionally, through this executive order, all city buildings will remain closed and all other COVID-19 related restrictions detailed in previous executive orders will be extended to remain in effect through June 5.
Restaurants are permitted to offer deliveries, drive-thru, and pick up services only. Businesses that are found in violation of these restrictions will be issued emergency closure letters and will remain closed until further notice. Ahead of guidance from the State, outdoor dining plans are being developed in anticipation of providing safe dining options at world-renowned restaurants in Providence. Applications for expansion of premises opportunities and a survey for participating businesses will be released next week.
Essential city services will continue to be accessible remotely. Local resources are available as defined on our website. For more information on COVID-19 and best practices you can share, residents can visit our website, call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visit www.PVD311.com or download the PVD311 mobile app on your smartphone for 24/7 access. Residents can register to receive CodeRED emergency notifications by phone, email, text, and/or mobile alerts for the latest updates from the City. The Rhode Island Department of Health’s COVID-19 Assistance Line can be reached by dialing 401-222-8022 Monday through Friday during regular business hours should residents have additional questions.