Dear Residents, Businesses, and Community Partners:
In the last few weeks, we have moved to Phase III of the State of Rhode Island re-opening plan, experienced the busy 4th of July weekend with all that it brings, and had our first positive COVID-19 case for an island employee.
We have transitioned from the extraordinarily constrained spring season to a summer season that, with effort and vigilance, will provide the necessary balance between the safety and welfare of both island visitors and residents with a level of economic activity required to sustain island businesses.
The efforts of business owners, residents, town employees and especially employees at our various island businesses have been noticed and are greatly appreciated. We are, after all, attempting to change behavior in a relatively short period of time when compared to, for example, the reduction of driving under the influence, or similar wide-spread behavior changes. The success of this summer depends on all of us.
I am writing to update you on the Town’s ongoing efforts for collaboration with the relevant state agencies and other entities in addition to the steps taken at the local level. Town officials have been in daily contact with officials from