After two days and three sessions of emergency meetings, the Block Island Town Council unanimously adopted a revised emergency ordinance that urges all residence to shelter in place, limits local commerce and travel to and from the island, but the council, citing legal barriers and despite considerable public outcry, could not restrict or halt travel to the island during the COVID-19 crisis. The emergency order imposes fines and penalties on those who do not adhere to the provisions of the ordinance.
The ordinance goes into effect at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 24.
The councilors repeatedly expressed frustration that they could not stop traffic during the sometimes tense debate during the past couple of days.
The ordinance will be in effect until April 15, unless extended by the council as this current medical crisis evolves.
After the end of the debate on Monday, March 23, the councilors implored those who are already here and who plan to come to the island during this time of medical crisis, to adhere to the guidelines and specifications of the ordinance it passed this evening. Not doing so, the councilors stated repeatedly, could turn the situation on Block Island “into something horrific,” according
