March 2020

Block Island Times

Town rolls up welcome mat

In a dramatic reversal of Block Island’s usual policy of welcoming everyone from everywhere, the Town Council this past week approved an emergency ordinance that essentially shuts down the island for all non-essential activities, cancels reservations at hotels, inns and online rentals, and recommends that all residents shelter in place for 14 days. The order

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Online teaching begins

As physical distancing commences on the island, the Block Island School recently closed its doors to follow safety procedures being implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. To continue teaching students, the Block Island School began the week of March 23 with school-wide online learning for the first time in its history. To gain insight into how

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Block Island Times

Ferry schedule to be reduced – one boat each way on most days

The following message was submitted to The Block Island Times on Wednesday, March 25: In our ongoing effort to work with local officials regarding Block Island’s Shelter-In-Place Order that includes travel restrictions, we will be adjusting our ferry schedule to best accommodate essential travel needs. Effective Saturday, March 28, we are reducing our scheduled trips

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Block Island Times

Gov. Raimondo asks domestic travelers to coastal towns to ‘be responsible’

At her daily news conference today, March 24, Gov. Gina Raimondo was asked about what she would say to people who are coming from New York City to return to their summer homes in coastal communities, such as Newport, Westerly, and Block Island. Here is her response: “I’m hearing this question a lot from Westerly,

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Block Island Times

Council to everyone here or who travels here: Stay home

UPDATE: (Monday, March 23): The Town Council amended its emergency ordinance at a meeting this morning that will recommend island residents to shelter in place for 14 days, impact building permits, housing rentals, travel, and other items. Through these provisions the council is urging that all non-essential travel to the island cease. The council will

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Block Island Times

DEM urges not to flush disinfectant wipes

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management submitted the following announcement to The Block Island Times: With new reports of damaged pump stations and overwhelmed screening facilities in Rhode Island wastewater collection and treatment systems, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is once again urging all Rhode Islanders to refrain from flushing disinfectant wipes – including

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