Community COVID-19 updates

The following is a digest of scheduling changes, cancellations, policy announcements and other updates from local institutions, organizations, groups and businesses related to the COVID-19 crisis. Information will be added and updated as it becomes available. To include information in this listing, email Daniel Kittredge at dan@rhodybeat.com.

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The Rhode Island Community Food Bank has made adjustments to its operations in response to the COVID-19 crisis and is asking members of the community to provide financial support for its efforts if possible.
In a message posted on its website, rifoodbank.org, on March 16, the Food Bank wrote: “For the safety of our staff and volunteers, we have canceled volunteer shifts for the next 2 weeks. Staff members have been reassigned to sort and pack food in small groups to ensure that we can maintain food distribution. Our top priority is to ensure that our network of pantries remains strong and able to distribute healthy, nutritious food to those who need it most.  The ability of our member agencies to continue to serve guests will change as this crisis develops, so we are regularly updating the Agency List on the Find Food page of our website. The best way you can help support this critical work right now is to make a financial donation to the Food Bank. We anticipate an increase in need as many people find themselves out of work and the economy worsens. Every donation will ensure that we can maintain our operations well into the future while continuing to acquire and distribute healthy food to some of the most vulnerable populations, including children and seniors.”

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Dave’s Marketplace has announced changes to its hours and policies in light of the COVID-19 crisis, including new designated shopping hours for customers 60 and older at two of its stores.
“Dave’s has made some changes in our business during this time. Beginning on Tuesday, March 17th, all 10 Dave’s Locations will be closing at 7:30pm to allow staff extra time for sanitation, restocking and personal time to regroup, and spend time with their own families,” a statement from the chain reads. “Effective Friday, March 20th, our 8 Larger Locations will be opening from 7:00 am – 8:00 am, and our two Smallest Locations will be opening from 8:00 am - 9:00 am for Seniors 60+ ONLY: we are hoping this will create a less crowded environment for our most vulnerable population. This program will run Monday’s through Friday’s until we are past this crisis. If there is a caregiver that needs to accompany the senior, they will be welcome to assist in the shopping order. Although we will not be asking for an ID for entry, we ask our community to be considerate of this dedicated time and plan your shopping accordingly. Do the right thing – respect the space, and time, for seniors.”
Dave’s has additionally closed its hot, cold, olive, soup and coffee bars and cafés. Prepared items will continue to be packages and available for purchase. Pizza, deli sandwiches, soups and sushi remain available for pickup with call-in orders.
For more information, visit davesmarketplace.com.

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Stop & Shop announced March 16 that it has implemented new hours for customers over the age of 60 in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
Starting on March 19, all Stop & Shop locations will open between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. to those over the age of 60 – a segment of the population the CDC says is particularly vulnerable to the virus. Identification will not be required, but the supermarket chain said in a statement that its associates “do reserve the right to ask customers to leave if they are not a member of this age group.”
“We’re making the decision to offer this every day of the week to allow for community members in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which better enables social distancing. They’ll also be shopping prior to any other customers entering,” the statement reads.
Stop & Shop previously announced that most of its stores have adjusted their hours to run from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The chain continues to provide home delivery service.

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HealthSource RI has announced a special open enrollment period from March 18 through April 15.
“For anyone who is concerned that they need to be tested for coronavirus – or anyone who is seeking care because of coronavirus exposure – coverage will start retroactively,” a press release from the Rhode Island Department of Health reads.
To enroll or for additional information, visit healthsourceri.com or call 855-840-4774.

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National Grid has temporarily halted its collections-related activities, including service disconnections.
“We recognize that this pandemic has brought many challenges for our customers and we want to do our part to lessen any financial impact they may face as the result of the outbreak,” Badar Khan, National Grid’s interim U.S. president, said in a statement. “We are committed to our customers’ well-being during this difficult time.”

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Special Olympics Rhode Island CEO Dennis DeJesus on March 16 announced that his organization has closed its office through at least March 31.
“It is too early to predict beyond April 1st, but our Number One Priority is the health and safety of our athletes and our entire SORI community. We will not host any events until we are cleared to do so by Special Olympics Inc., and the State  of Rhode Island,” the message from DeJesus reads. “As you all know, per our email on March 10th, we are abiding by the directives of Special Olympics, Inc., and have suspended all sports training/practices, state competitions/tournaments, fundraising events and other activations that include our athletes (local team practices/social get togethers; young athletes program, unified dance program, yoga classes, athletes leadership committee and SORI Magazine) through March 31, 2020 at which time the situation will be reevaluated.”

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Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island has announced that its various Your Blue Store locations – including Cranston, Warwick, East Providence and Lincoln – have closed until further notice.
“Any BCBSRI member needing immediate assistance should call the number on their member ID card for faster service. For more information on BCBSRI’s response to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please visit bcbsri.com/coronavirus,” a statement from the company reads.
BCBSRI has also announced it will “ extend coverage to telephonic triage by most specialist providers and waive member copays and deductibles for these calls.” The policy will remain in effect through April 3, at which point it will be reassessed.
“As the state’s largest health insurer, we are in a unique position to lead efforts to ensure our members continue to have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare during this public health crisis,” Kim Keck, BCBSRI president and CEO said in a statement. “The action we’re taking today recognizes the importance of uninterrupted care for high-risk patients and the benefit of keeping these individuals home whenever possible to avoid potential exposure to COVID-19.”
BCBSRI has additionally waived copays and cost shares for COVID-19 testing; waived prior authorization and referral requirements for COVID-19 treatment; allowed members to fill prescriptions earlier than the standard 30 days; moved to reimburse participating primary care providers and behavioral health providers for telephonic triage without member cost sharing; and expanded coverage for telephonic behavioral health services.
Additional information is available at bcbsri.com/coronavirus.

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Showcase Cinemas announced March 16 that it is “proactively pausing moviegoing in its theaters in North America” in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
All of the chain’s theaters were to close by 8 p.m. that night, “operations expected to resume by April 7,” according to a statement.
“All tickets purchased in advance for future shows will be refunded and all Showcase Subscribe membership accounts will be placed on hold,” the statement reads.

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In keeping with Warwick Mayor Joseph Solomon’s recent emergency declaration, the Warwick Public Library has closed all of its branches to the public until further notice.
“Staff will be answering phone calls and checking in materials that are returned to book drops, and the homebound service will continue,” Library Director Christopher La Roux said in a statement.
Additional updates and information can be found at warwicklibrary.org.

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The Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services has canceled all of its interlibrary delivery services through at least March 20.

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With all of the state’s public libraries closed through at least March 22, the Ocean State Libraries consortium has announced new steps in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Due dates on all items have been extended until May 1.  Expiring library cards have been reset to expire May 1 so that library users can make the most of ebooks and other digital resources and services. Fines on all items that accrue from March 1 through the end of the public health crisis will be waived.
Existing holds will be honored. However, the ability to place new holds has been temporarily turned off.
The investment in ebooks and digital audiobooks in OSL’s eZone will be expanded so that patrons can continue to enjoy books and reading.
Ocean State Libraries is also working in partnership with the Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services. They are developing a collection of online resources for students and families to help all Rhode Islanders meet their learning and recreational needs from home.
For additional information, visit oslri.org/library-closings.

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The state’s court system has cleared its calendars through at least March 20, it was announced on March 13.
Court facilities will remain open and staff will report to work as usual, but no sessions will be held. The move applies to the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Family Court, District Court, Workers’ Compensation Court and Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.
“There will be no jury trials next week,” a statement reads. “The courts will be able to handle any and all emergency matters including but not limited to domestic violence petitions, temporary restraining orders, bail, and arraignments for charges of serious crimes.”
It adds: “The courts will continue to explore case types that would be favorable for remote hearings and next week will reassess options for limited court operations after March 20.”
For more information, visit courts.ri.gov.

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Rhode Island Students of the Future announced March 12 it has canceled its seventh annual Robot Block Party, which was scheduled for April 4 at the Waterfire Arts Center in Providence.
“Sadly, what made the event so successful – the ability to touch and explore robots of all shapes and sizes and talk with thousands of robotics enthusiasts of all ages – is also what could make it a vector site for the Corona virus,” Mary Johnson, a member of the RISF Board of Directors and producer of the Robot Block Party,” said in a statement. “We did not want to risk the health of our community, or of the residents of Rhode Island.”
For more information, visit risf.net.

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Brain Week Rhode Island, which was set to mark its fifth year from March 12-22 with multiple events across the state, has been canceled.
“Our decision is intended to protect these people who are on the front line, as well as our audiences and supporters,” a statement from the event’s organizers reads. “Considering the health concerns of the day, we are mindful of the people who might be at genuine risk or those who are concerned about exposing themselves.”
To learn more, visit brainweekri.org.

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On March 13, Roger Williams Park Zoo announced it has closed through at least April 1.
“We have been monitoring the coronavirus situation, and know it is important to comply with both Mayor Jorge Elorza and Gov. Gina Raimondo on doing everything we can to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, in the best interest of our visitors, staff, volunteers, and the animals we cherish, we will close the Zoo for two weeks,” Dr. Jeremy Goodman, the zoo’s executive director, said in a statement.
The statement adds: “Animal care is the Zoo’s most important concern and the amazing veterinary and keeper staff will continue to provide all the animals with dedicated, professional care daily. The Zoo has plenty of essential food, medical supplies and other crucial items needed to ensure the health of the animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not reporting any wildlife or animals in human care becoming sick with COVID-19.”
Updates will be provided on the zoo’s website, rwpzoo.org.

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick announced March 15 that it has closed all of its clubs and suspended activities, including child care, until further notice.
“As this situation is ever changing, we will update you with this information immediately as we fully understand the implications our closure has on both your child and family,” a statement from Lara D’Antuono, the organization’s executive director, reads.
Additional updates and information can be found at wbgclubs.org.

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Barrington Books is offering free curbside pickup and home delivery of its products for customers in Barrington, Warren, Bristol, East Providence, Cranston, Warwick, East Greenwich and Providence. In a statement, the store says the closure of schools for the coming week prompted the new service.
“For those facing a week home with kids, please stop in and ask our knowledgeable staff about how we can help you get through a week at home,” a statement from the store reads. “We have the books, toys, games, and activities you need to make the most of this unprecedented situation. To make things even easier for all our customers, we will be offering curbside pick up and free home delivery within our local service areas.”
Barrington Books’ Cranston location in Garden City Center can be reached at 432-7222.

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WRIK Entertainment, a company that hosts trivia nights and other events at local establishments, has announced on Facebook that it will offer a “Trivia Home Edition” in the wake of the state’s prohibition on dine-in service at bars and restaurants.
“WRIK is standing with our business partners who are being affected with the temporary Dine-In restaurant, lounge, and bar restrictions. We also stand with our faithful patrons who come out nightly to play our various fun games,” the post from March 16 reads.
From Monday through Thursday for at least the next two weeks, the company will post one round of its trivia game every 30 minutes between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Answers will be posted at 9:30 p.m.
“Have fun at home, and post pictures of you, family, and friends playing at home,” the post reads. “Be sure and tag #wriktrvia.”

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The Audubon Society of Rhode Island has closed its Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol and canceled its programming through at least March 31.
“For those who have signed up for a program that has been cancelled, Audubon will refund registration fees,” a statement from the organization reads. “But individuals may also make the choice to convert your fee into a donation. This would help us to weather the economic fallout of the virus.”
It continues: “In this time of uncertainty, walks in nature can provide a much needed source of stress relief. Audubon encourages the public to use the outdoor trails at the Nature Center and Aquarium, as well as trails on all of Audubon’s other public wildlife refuges across the state. For a listing of wildlife refuges and trail maps, visit www.asri.org/hike.”