Thirty-second Supplemental Emergency Declaration – Summer Camp Operations

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I declared a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by the outbreak of COVID-19 and that declaration has been extended until at least June 5, 2020;

WHEREAS, on March 22, 2020, I ordered all gatherings to be no more than 10 people and then on March 28, 2020, in response to continued increases in cases of COVID-19 in the State, I ordered that the number of people permitted at any gathering in a public or private space be reduced to no more than 5 people;

WHEREAS, the State is now able to test all symptomatic people within 48-72 hours and has ensured that all communities in Rhode Island have access to testing, especially those that have been disproportionately impacted by the virus;

WHEREAS, Rhode Island has a robust contact tracing and case investigation infrastructure in place;

WHEREAS, it is critical that Rhode Island's economic, cultural and civic life be reopened to the greatest extent possible consistent with public health and that the public's health shall always be of paramount concern in connection with such re-opening;

WHEREAS, on May 8, I lifted the stay-at-home order and allowed limited re-openings with stringent health regulations;

WHEREAS, as warmer weather approaches, summer camp opportunities, including day camps and residential camps for children (collectively, "Summer Camp"), would complement the State's planned re-opening phases by supporting working parents in their return to work; and

WHEREAS, after consultation with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) and Rhode Island Department of Education, it has been determined that Summer Camp will need clear and concise regulations, which must be effectively implemented and stringently enforced to protect the health and safety of children, their families, camp staff and the general public.

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 order and direct the following:

Summer Camp Group Size Limit

1. Summer Camp groups shall not exceed 15 people consisting of up to 14 campers.

Summer Camp Regulations

2. Effective immediately, RIDOH shall promulgate emergency regulations that will contain specific health and safety requirements for Summer Camp operations.
   
    
3. DHS personnel are hereby assigned to the Task Force authorized by Executive Order 20-32 to assist in educating Summer Camp providers on safely maintaining operations, conducting inspections and enforcing emergency regulations promulgated by RIDOH and applicable to Summer Camp. The Director of DHS is hereby empowered to assign necessary and appropriate DHS personnel to assist with Task Force responsibilities related to Summer Camp operations.

This Order shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until June 20, 2020, unless renewed, modified or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.

So Ordered,

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor