We want to take this opportunity to update you on travel to Block Island; as we know many of you find yourselves suddenly at home and on “vacation.”
This is a rapidly changing environment, and the Town of New Shoreham is working with the State of Rhode Island to keep everyone safe.
Block Island's lifeline services (ferry/plane) remain running, however, all restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc. have been ordered to close (except to take-out services should they opt to) by the Rhode Island State Government. This State response is aimed at dealing with the here-and-now and is on a week by week basis.
Block Island has passed an Emergency Ordinance that closed all Town Offices and the library to the public until at least April 15th, 2020. Anyone who comes to Block Island Internationally is required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Anyone who comes to Block Island at all, in any capacity, is encouraged to adhere to Social Distancing recommendations.
If you are thinking about a visit to the Island in the next few weeks, we urge you to consider postponing for several reasons. It might be more enjoyable to wait until businesses are able to re-open to ensure that you have a positive experience. Also, we urge you to consider delaying your visit as to not unnecessarily tax our limited medical resources. We want to encourage everyone’s safety.
It is important for our local community to address this issue now so we can move forward later with all of the benefits you expect and have come to enjoy on Block Island. Rest assured, when the time comes, we will be ready, willing and able to eagerly welcome all of our guests back.