March 13, 2020
Dear Cranston Residents,
The City has been closely monitoring the developments regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and have been in constant contact with the RI Department of Health as well as the Governor’s office. Within the past hour, the state notified us of our first positive test result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It was a student at Cranston High School West. Our school department has been working with the Department of Health and following their guidance to assist the Cranston West school community.
Beginning today, all students, faculty and staff of Cranston High School West must quarantine themselves at home for the next 14 days out of an abundance of caution. Students, faculty and staff under the quarantine should NOT leave their homes for the duration of the 14 day quarantine. Those affected by the quarantine should monitor themselves and contact a medical professional if they begin to exhibit the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.
The Department of Health has also indicated that the parents, siblings and other family members of those students, faculty and staff at Cranston West may leave their homes, at their discretion, so long as they do not exhibit any symptoms. But in no event should they admit visitors for ANY reason. If those parents, siblings and other family members begin to exhibit the aforementioned symptoms, they need to similarly quarantine themselves for 14 days.
Just minutes ago, the Governor announced school closures statewide for next week (an early vacation) as well as additional mandates on mass public events. Our city departments have been adjusting accordingly based upon their announcements. In light of the recent pronouncements, we are making the additional below changes in addition to the previous cancellations and adjustments to the schedules of some of our city departments:
• The Cranston Senior Enrichment Center will be closed to the public until further notice.
• The Arlington Library Branch will be closed until further notice. This branch will open when the Senior Enrichment Center opens.
• The Cranston Ice Rink will be closed to the public for the next week. Starting tonight, all activities, programs and games are cancelled.
Finally, for our local businesses that hold mass functions or have large seating capacities, we urge you to follow the mandates of the Governor and the Department of Health.
Please continue to visit our city website (www.cranstonri.com) for the most up to date information and program cancellations within the city. Please visit the Department of Health website for their latest pronouncements concerning COVID-19.
As you go about your daily life, just continue to use caution and stay safe.
Thank you.
Mayor Allan W. Fung