Good morning:

As recommended by Governor Raimondo, I have established a state of emergency in the Town of North Smithfield in order to reinforce the actions taken by the Governor and the RI Department of Health. That order is available below (click link). 

This isn’t a reaction to any specific change in conditions. It is simply part of our need to be certain we have every resource needed to respond to changes in conditions that might require extraordinary measures to maintain the health and safety of our community.

With the statewide actions to change our school schedule, restrict large gatherings and even preclude our own smaller town-related meetings, the objective is to stem the spread of this virus. The overall length of time that we are impacted by this virus can largely depend on our individual actions. This state of emergency is issued to optimize our response efforts, but it will not take the place of the prudent measures all can take. 

Town Hall and the Annex will remain open to assure that our public safety personnel have all they need in this circumstance. We ask, however, that all who may need to access our services make effort to access us on line, by email or on the phone. If you must come to an office, please call to establish an appointment with the individual you need to see.

A special note to our students: The school schedule has been reordered to minimize opportunity for spreading COVID-19. Everything you contemplate doing this week should be considered with that objective in mind. Please stay home! 

We must all practice elevated social distancing, good hygiene, staying home especially if not feeling well and optimize the use of our healthcare professional before going to a medical facility.