Coping During the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Quarantine
The New Normal: Resources to Help Ward Residents
As the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence continue to fight this long battle against COVID-19, Governor Raimondo has introduced a phased plan for the state to reopen.
In Phase One, we will still be limited to gatherings of 10 people or less, and that number will gradually increase as time moves on.
With Governor Raimondo beginning to discuss reopening the economy, it is important to remain hopeful yet cautious. We look forward to returning to some sense of normalcy, but we also know there is a lot of work that still must be done. Every step of the way, my office will continue to provide and share resources to help you with whatever hardships you may be facing. The COVID-19 resources web page is updated daily with new information.
In addition to that I'm providing resources and recommendations to help you and your family make it through this truly challenging time.
Ongoing Social Distancing Restrictions
Until May 8th the following still apply
(subject to change upon Executive Orders from Governor Raimondo)
“Stay at Home” order effective until May 8, 2020
What does that mean? It means that you should only leave your residence for essential purposes: groceries, medicine, and work if you cannot do so remotely.
Distance Learning for K-12
Remote public education will continue
Childcare Restrictions
All childcare centers to remain closed
Working Outside of Rhode Island
If you work outside of the State of Rhode Island and cannot work remotely, you must self-quarantine upon your return home from work daily
Rules for Travelers Returning Home
Anyone returning to or entering the State from any type of travel must self-quarantine for 14-days with the exception of Public Health workers, Public Safety workers, and people traveling for business.
Non-essential Retail Shops Will Remain Closed
All non-critical retail businesses will be closed
Large Gatherings of More Than 5 People Prohibited
All gatherings of people in your home or outside cannot exceed five people. What does that mean? If you are working, you should not be in a small room with more than five people. You should not have more than five people in your home (unless they live there). You should only be in contact with those same five individuals as much as possible. This is vital to stop the spread of this virus.
Campground Closures
All campgrounds in the state will not be able to open
Resources for Seniors
Providence has several meal sites dedicated to serving older adults throughout the city. Please contact each site directly as information may change daily: Senior Meal Sites
Grocery stores throughout Rhode Island are providing dedicated shopping hours to promote the safety and wellness of older adults: Dedicated Senior Shopping Hours
With the recent stay-at-home orders issued across the states to further contain the spread of COVID 19, SeniorLiving.Org has compiled information on how to help seniors with communication, grocery delivery, home care and, health monitoring. This guide, Social Distancing: Apps for Seniors, provides practical apps for seniors (tech-savvy or not), along with setup assistance. Find more resources for seniors on AARP’s website.
Health Resources & Guidelines
Everyone must wear face masks when at work or out in public until further notice. Learn more about masks here: Face Masks
If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed you can access services for adults and children where you will be matched with mental health professionals. Adults can call BHLink at 414-Link and for children, you can call KidsLink at 855-543-5465. If you are experiencing violence in the home or other mental health struggles here is a great resource provided by the RI Department of Health: In English En Español
If you do not have insurance Health Source RI has opened an emergency enrollment period until April 30, 2020 and if you have been laid off for any reason you have 60 days to apply for health insurance: Health Source RI
For more information on what you should do if you feel that you may have contracted COVID-19, or come into contact with someone that could potentially have COVID-19 please visit the Rhode Island Health Department’s website or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 401-222-8022.
Governor Raimondo has announced that testing and treatment for COVID-19 would be free for Rhode Islanders, with no co-pay or out of pocket expenses.
If you are sick at all – headache, runny nose, cough, fever or other symptoms you must stay home from work.
If you are in quarantine the state has set up a program for food service, you can go to RIDelivers.com or call 211 to access this service.
Keep a daily log of where you have been and who you came in contact with to help in mitigation and contact tracing if you become infected with the COVID-19 virus.
In addition to this, please remember that City Council regular services are still operating remotely, so do not hesitate to call my office at 401-521-7477 or send me an email..
As always, I will continue to advocate for the quality of life issues important to our neighbors and the residents of Providence.
Until we can meet again, I look forward to continuing our meaningful conversations here.
