Updates in response to the COVID-19 virus

Additional News
Partnership to distribute ready to go meals


 

3/26/2020 - Updated Protocols for City Operations in Response to COVID-19
3/20/2020 - New Protocols for City Operations in Response to COVID-19
3/17/2020 - Update - Mayors Executive Order

3/15/2020 - Update
3/14/2020 - Update from the Mayor

Mayor Joseph J. Solomon has declared a state of emergency for the City of Warwick in response to the COVID-19 virus.

As COVID-19/coronavirus is a very new virus, information is developing quickly. Residents are urged to check the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) webpage regularly for the most accurate, updated information.

Mayor Solomon and his Coronavirus/COVID-19 Response Team (CRT) are working together closely to ensure swift and effective cross-departmental implementation of the guidelines recommended by Governor Raimondo and RIDOH and to make our City as safe as possible for everyone.

This is a rapidly developing situation so residents are encouraged to check this page frequently to monitor the list of cancellations. At this time, the City of Warwick remains open, but departments are making adjustments in accordance with the Governor’s recommendations, including additional cleaning and sanitizing measures.


LIST OF CANCELLATIONS

** Please check this list frequently for updates
Click here for a list of which City departments and offices are open.

Effective immediately and in accordance with recommendations from Governor Raimondo, all large-scale activities in the City of Warwick are postponed until further notice.


Senior Centers

  • All programming, classes and activities at Warwick’s senior centers have been cancelled until further notice in accordance with the guidelines issued by the State to protect adults over age 60, who are especially at risk for COVID-19
  • For additional information, please call Warwick’s Office of Senior Services at (401) 468-4077

 

Warwick Schools

  • The Governor and the RI Department of Health are moving April School Break from April  13-17 to this coming week, March 16-20
  • All school activities and events, including athletics, are canceled until further notice

 

Warwick Library

  • All library events are canceled until further notice
  • The library is open March 14 and 15, and will be closed beginning March 16
  • Book drop will be available and homebound program will continue

 

Parks and Recreation

  • The McDermott Aquatic Center is closed until further notice
  • Thayer / Warburton Ice Arenas are closed until further notice

 

RESOURCES

People with general questions about COVID-19 can call RIDOH’s COVID-19 hotline at (401) 222-8022, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. After hours, please call 211. Questions may be emailed to RIDOH.COVID19Questions.

 

For accurate, updated information, please visit these websites:

 

Mayor Solomon is urging residents to heed the guidance from the State, which includes the following:

  • Residents are advised not to attend any unnecessary group gathering or meeting
  • Individuals aged 60 and older, who are considered to be at increased risk for the virus, are urged to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people

 

Mayor Solomon is also reminding residents to take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Practice social distance – try to stay at least six feet away from others, particularly at events.
  • If you are sick, please stay home until you are feeling better.
  • Use good cough etiquette: cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching “high-touch surfaces” in public places, such as elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
  • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently to remove germs, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items.
  • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. The risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 can increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation.

 

Symptoms of COVID-19/coronavirus may include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms of COVID-19 may be present in as little as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. While many people experience little to no symptoms, other people can become severely or even critically ill. Some individuals are at higher risk of becoming very ill from this virus, including older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease.

People who think they have COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider. These people should NOT go directly to a healthcare facility without calling a healthcare provider (unless they are experiencing a medical emergency).

There are many respiratory illnesses circulating in Rhode Island, such as the flu and the common cold. Having respiratory symptoms does not mean that you have COVID-19. People are at higher risk for COVID-19 if they have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath) AND if they were a contact of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 (or have traveled to a country with community transmission).