WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva issued Executive Order 2020-004 declaring a Municipal State of Emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, Governor Gina Raimondo announced plans to place further restrictions on the number of persons attending public gatherings to a maximum of twenty-five (25) persons; and

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, Governor Raimondo announced plans to temporarily close all dine-in food and beverage services in Rhode Island until March 30, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the City of East Providence needs to take additional measures to limit the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Laws §§30-15-12(b) and 30-15-9(e)(1) permit the Mayor to suspend the provisions of any statute, regulation, or requirement prescribing the procedures for the conduct of city business, or the orders, rules, regulations of any city, board, or agency. If strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule, or regulation will in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this emergency; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Laws §§30-15-9(e)(3) and (7), and 30-15-12(b), permit the Mayor to transfer the direction, personnel, or functions of City departments and agencies or units thereof for the purpose of performing or facilitating emergency services; to control ingress and egress to and from high risk areas, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises therein; and to take appropriate measures for the protection of health, safety, and welfare of the people of the city/town and to prevent or minimize the loss of life.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the Mayor of the City of East Providence, pursuant to the Rhode Island General Laws and the Home Rule Charter of the City of East Providence, and its Code of Ordinances do hereby order and direct the following:

1. Gatherings of 25 or more people are prohibited in the City of East Providence. Gatherings subject to this order include, but are not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, or faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any other similar activity that brings together 25 or more people at the same time.
2. Gatherings of 10 or more people within any playground, field, or park within the City of East Providence are prohibited until further notice.
3. Any restaurant, bar, or establishment that offers food or drink shall not permit on-premises consumption of food and drink; provided that such establishments may continue to offer food and non-alcoholic beverages for take-out and delivery in accordance with the social distancing protocols and guidance set forth by RIDOH.
4. Chapter 10 Article III Sec. 10-51(9) of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of East Providence, prohibiting the loading and unloading of deliveries between the hours of 6pm and 7am, is suspended until such time as the Executive Order expires, is terminated, or is modified to the extent that this ordinance is reinstated.

This Executive Order shall take effect Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and remain in full force and effect through March 22, 2020, and, with the consent of the City Council, it shall remain in effect until Monday, March 30, 2020, unless renewed, modified, or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.