Following State’s Lead to Ensure Safety of Residents

Pawtucket – The City of Pawtucket continues to take the necessary precautions in the wake of COVID-19. Mayor Donald R. Grebien, in following Governor Gina Raimondo’s and the Rhode Island Department of Health’s (RIDOH) lead, has signed an Executive Order (here) regarding Preparation and Prevention Measures for Coronavirus.

“The City continues to work alongside the City Council, School Department, Pawtucket Housing Authority, and other organizations in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “I commend the leadership of the Governor and her team throughout this pandemic.”

In the Executive Order, Mayor Grebien has issued that Pawtucket follow “strict adherence to Governor Gina M. Raimondo’s Executive Orders and any directions or directives issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health and/or any other State agencies.”

Furthermore, the order states that “all City offices and operations shall remain open until further notice and continue to operate in their ordinary course of business to the best of their ability, while taking all necessary precautions as the RI Department of Health has provided.”

Probate and municipal court hearings are also postponed at least through March 29, 2020, unless a judge determines there to be an emergency situation requiring a hearing to take place.

The City and its partners have also taken a number of other precautions in line with messaging from the State.

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The City will be keeping essential staff in order to continue providing essential services to residents and businesses while minimizing the risk to employees.

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Any employee who is ill will be asked to remain at home in accordance with RIDOH.

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The Pawtucket Public Library will be closed beginning tomorrow, March 17 per the request of the Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services and RIDOH.

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The Leon Mathieu Senior Center will also be closed, but will allow for senior residents to pick up lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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The Pawtucket School District, which was ordered to close schools by the Governor in order to keep children safe from the virus, are making available free “grab and go” breakfast and lunch from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the following locations:

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Jenks Middle School –350 Division St. Pawtucket, RI

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Goff Middle School –974 Newport Ave. Pawtucket, RI

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Slater Middle School - 281 Mineral Spring Ave. Pawtucket, RI

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Tolman High School –150 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI

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Shea High School – 485 East Ave. Pawtucket, RI

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Fallon Elementary School – 62 Lincoln Ave. Pawtucket, RI

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Curtis Elementary School – 582 Benefit St. Pawtucket, RI

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Baldwin Elementary School – 50 Whitman St. Pawtucket, RI

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The Paul J. Wildenhain Memorial Animal Shelter and Daggett Farm both located in Slater Park will also be closed to the public.

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The Pawtucket Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Check Station will also be closed.

“These steps are necessary to take as we look to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the city and state,” said Mayor Grebien. “We are counting on you to continue doing your part as well. Please stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing at least six feet away from others when you are out in the community, continue washing your hands with soap and water, stay hydrated, and avoid contact with anyone who is sick.”

For reliable and up-to-date information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Rhode Island please visit the Rhode Island Department of Health's website at https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2020
Contact: Wil Arboleda
401-728-0500 Ext. 358