WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, I, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva, issued Executive Order 2020-004 declaring a state of municipal emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, Governor Gina Raimondo issued a continuation of the state of emergency through Executive Order 20-97 on November 18, 2020, which remains in effect; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to remain a serious threat to both the health and safety of the residents of East Providence; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 30-15-12(b) and 30-15-9 (e) (13), permit the Mayor to "do all other things necessary to effectively cope with disasters in the City not consistent with other provision of law."

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, do hereby order and direct the following:

1. Effective Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, City Hall of East Providence and other municipal buildings are closed to the general public, except by appointment only. Residents are encouraged to use the City's website, contact by phone at 401-435-7500, and or use the United States Postal Service to communicate, file or interact with personnel for essential City services.
2. Water, tax, other payments and any other correspondence may be left in the drop box located on the Grove Avenue side of City Hall.
3. Title researchers, mortgage and deed filings can be done electronically through the Office of the City Clerk and all legal and title professionals are urged to make use of these methods when dealing with land evidence or official recordings. If an in-person filing or meeting is necessary, an appointment must be made with the Office of the City Clerk by calling 401-435-7596.
4. Funeral homes requiring death certificates must call the Office of the City Clerk to schedule necessary appointments by calling 401-435-7596.
5. Vital records (birth, death, or marriage certificates), may be obtained online or requests may be left in the drop box outside City Hall. Allow for 24-hour processing timeframe (excluding weekends).
6. Marriage licenses may be obtained in person only. To obtain a marriage license, you must call the Office of the City Clerk to schedule an appointment.
7. Probate and Municipal Court sessions will remain open during this time. Ticket payments may be paid by appointment by calling the Municipal Court Clerk at 401-435-7500 Ext. 11040 or by leaving payments in the drop box located outside of City Hall.
8. Event permits shall not be issued during this time.

This Order shall take effect on November 30, 2020 and remain in full force and effect through December 13, 2020, unless rescinded or further extended by and with the consent of the City Council.