April 16, 2021
Dear Residents, Businesses, and Community Partners:
Rhode Island’s percent positivity rate, as it relates to COVID-19, is up from last week, now 2.5% (2.4% last week). With highly contagious variants of the virus still present, it is important to wear high-quality masks, wash your hands, limit large gatherings, and keep your distance. It is important that we all continue to stay focused on defeating this virus! COVID-19 Vaccine Additional Vaccine Appointments: Today (4/16) at 5 p.m., roughly 16,000 vaccine appointments will be posted on VaccinateRI.org. Current Eligibility: People age 40 and older who live, work, or go to school in Rhode Island, and those 16 and older who live and work in the hard-hit zip codes of 02893, 02906, 02910, 02920, 02911, 02914, and 02919. Expanded Eligibility: Starting April 19th, all Rhode Islanders ages 16 and older will be eligible. Transportation: Starting Monday, April 19th, R.I. Public Transit Authority will begin offering free fares to those going to and from vaccination appointments. People with vaccine appointments can email CustomerService@RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400. Vaccines for Veterans: The Providence Veterans Medical Center is hosting several vaccination clinics in April. For a schedule visit here. For more information or concerns click here or call 401-273-7100 ext. 16226. Homebound Vaccinations: Those that are homebound and filled out the state’s survey may receive calls from one of these three vendors: MedTech, Alert Ambulance, and PACERI, in order to schedule at date/time to receive their vaccination at the address they provided. If you are homebound and have not requested a vaccine, please do so through this survey: Homeboundvax. Pre-Register: Rhode Islanders can now preregister for the vaccine on Portal.RI.gov or by calling 844-930-1779. Options for eligible Rhode Islanders to be vaccinated:
For more information on vaccines, visit: Covid.RI.Gov/vaccination. Sign up for RIDOH’s weekly vaccination newsletter here. COVID-19 Testing Please consider getting tested on a weekly basis. Rapid and PCR testing is available at various locations throughout the state.
Rapid walk-thru testing is available at the Smithfield VFW (47 Farnum Pike) everyday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Rapid and PCR testing is available at various other locations throughout the state for those with and without symptoms. For a list of locations, visit. To make an appointment, visit.
Housing Assistance Program Rhode Island Housing launched a $200 million statewide rental assistance program – RentRelief RI – for tenants and landlords who have been hurt financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are now open: RIHousing.com/RentReliefri/ New Grant Program for Businesses RI Small Businesses Relief Grant Program provides $5,000 to R.I. small businesses affected financially by COVID-19. Applications are open and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through April 30. The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering grants for Shuttered Venue Operators, including operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums, movie theatres, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers, and talent representatives. For more information and a list of resource partners that can provide application guidance, click here. FEMA Funeral Assistance FEMA is accepting applications for a Funeral Assistance Program for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Visit their FAQ page for eligibility requirements and more details here. Local Updates
With the warm weather on the way we have issued Executive Order 2021-01 to once again expand outdoor dining to accommodate the outdoor dining option for our restaurants.
Smithfield Town Hall is open to the public with limited hours. Until further notice, Town Hall will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Friday. All departments will continue to operate as normal and all staff will be available by phone or email. Please access the building from either the front door or side ramp at the rear of the building. Contact Info for all departments.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Randy R. Rossi
Town Manager
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