Twelfth Supplemental Emergency Declaration – Extension of Executive Orders on the Operation of Food Establishments and Close Contact Businesses

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I declared a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by COVID-19;

WHEREAS, aggressive and sustained efforts are necessary to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to lessen the strain on our healthcare system;

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 virus continues to spread and threatens to overwhelm the State's ability to respond;

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-04 prohibiting on premises consumption of food or drink at any restaurant, bar and establishment that offer food;

WHEREAS, on March 20, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-08 providing economic support for restaurants, bars and establishments that offer food; and

WHEREAS, on March 22, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-09 imposing restrictions on close-contact businesses, public recreation and business service providers.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GINA M. RAIMONDO, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, pursuant to Article IX of the Rhode Island Constitution and the Rhode Island General Laws, including, but not limited to, Title 30, Chapter 15, and Title 23, Chapter 8, do hereby extend the following Executive Orders:

1. Executive Order 20-04 (Second Supplemental Emergency Declaration - Restaurants, Bars, Entertainment Venues, and Public Gatherings), except the entire paragraph 1 thereof regarding public gatherings. Public gatherings of more than 5 people are prohibited pursuant to Executive Order 20-14.
2. Executive Order 20-08 (Sixth Supplemental Emergency Declaration - Economic Support for Restaurants, Bars and Establishments that Offer Food).
3. Executive Order 20-09 (Seventh Supplemental Emergency Declaration - Public Gatherings, Close-Contact Businesses, Public Recreation and Business Service Providers), except the entire paragraph 6 thereof regarding public gatherings. Public gatherings of more than 5 people are prohibited pursuant to Executive Order 20-14.

These Executive Orders (20-04, 20-08 and 20-09) shall remain in full force and effect until April 13, 2020 unless renewed, modified or terminated by subsequent Executive Orders.

So Ordered,

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor