Dear Block Island Community,
At this time there has not been and there is no suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 on Block Island. However, it is important to remain vigilant in practicing social distancing to minimize the risk of spreading the virus through community infection.
The Town of New Shoreham passed an Emergency Ordinance on March 18 to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the community from COVID-19. The Emergency Declaration is in effect through April 15 and enforces the guidance from Gov. Raimondo with additional precautionary measures for Block Island, given our limited medical resources.
It is imperative that we adhere to common-sense guidelines previously distributed and posted again below to prevent virus transmission. Emergence of COVID-19 on Block Island would quickly over-run our limited island medical resources. As tourism to Block Island increases with the season, the risk of exposure of the island community to COVID-19 increases.
It is safest for families and individuals to behave as if the virus is already here; to avoid non-essential outings and to practice social distancing. We know that COVID-19 is easily transmissible, even in the absence
