Posted inCity & Government, News

Watch: Governor, Director of Health provide COVID-19 update (March 19) | 11 new positive cases, total in Rhode Island now 44

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH will provide updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response tomorrow, Thursday, March 19th, at 1 pm. What’s Up Newp will bring you the press conference live here at 1 pm. Live updates from press conference (refresh for updates); Governor […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Naval War College transitions to online lectures and seminars

This story was written by Jeanette Steele, U.S. Naval War College Public Affairs and originally appeared here. The U.S. Naval War College has transitioned all lectures and seminars for its 600 in-residence students to the online realm, in addition to postponing events, conferences and ceremonies in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. The college also […]

Posted inNews

Gov. Raimondo, Bradford Soapworks and Teamsters help Family Service of Rhode Island’s Be Safe initiative

The following was submitted by Family Service of Rhode Island. Family Service of Rhode Island’s Be Safe Kits initiative is getting a major boost, thanks to Governor Gina Raimondo, Bradford Soapworks and the Teamsters. On Thursday, Bradford and the Teamsters will be delivering 5,000 bars of soap to Family Service of Rhode Island for distribution to […]

Posted inNews

National Grid implements additional actions to protect customers, employees during COVID-19

via National Grid National Grid has implemented additional steps to protect customers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of electricity and natural gas across its Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island service areas. The Company’s employees will continue to focus on delivering essential customer services, while temporarily […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

City reminds residents to dispose disinfectant wipes responsibly

The following was written by Tom Shevlin, Communicaitons Officer for the City of Newport. The Department of Utilities  is urging all  residents in Newport to refrain from flushing disinfectant wipes – including those labeled “flushable” – and instead, to dispose of them in the trash. Today we experienced two (2) sewer pump stations getting clogged as […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Newport Mental Health remains open

Newport Mental Health announced today that they will remain open during the Coronavirus pandemic and is working with state officials to implement telehealth consultations for therapy sessions via audio or video communication.  “Newport Mental Health remains a frontline healthcare provider. We need everyone to know we’re open. We just ask that they call first. Our […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Public schools to transition to distance learning through at least April 3rd

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today made several important announcements about the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Schools: The next two weeks—from Monday, March 23rd through Friday April 3—will be distance learning weeks for all public schools in Rhode Island. During this time, school buildings will […]

Posted inCity & Government

Senator Whitehouse approves emergency package to provide relief for Rhode Islanders

The following was shared with What’s Up Newp by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s office. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse this afternoon voted to approve a deal negotiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that will put supports immediately in place for Rhode Island workers affected by the economic fallout from COVID-19.  The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Watch: Governor Raimondo, DOH provides COVID-19 update

Please note: This story is being updated as new information comes in. Please check back for any updates.  Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH provides updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Video Takeaways from press conference; 33 positive case of coronavirus in Rhode Island. Up […]

Posted inCity & Government, Environment & Health, News

RI DDD will limit face-to-face contact; providers launch emergency plans

In an open letter to Rhode Island’s developmental disability community, Kerri Zanchi, Director of the state Division of Developmental Disabilities, has spelled out steps the Division is taking to limit person-to-person contact to curb the spread of the coronavirus, while still remaining responsive to the needs of individuals and families. A spokesman for the Division’s […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

National Grid commits $500,000 to assist Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island families impacted by COVID-19

The following was written by National Grid. National Grid is directing $500,000 to support customers affected by the health impacts, financial hardships and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will provide immediate relief to families and individuals in need and bolster efforts by local organizations to assist communities across Massachusetts, New York and […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Newport Public Schools: Chromebooks available to all grade 3-8 students that need them, will be issued on Thursday and Friday

The following press release was received from Marcin Rembisz, Communications Coordinator/Secretary for Newport Public Schools, this evening. PRESS RELEASE  For Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18th Dear Newport Public School Families, On Thursday and Friday of this week, Chromebooks will be issued to all grade 2-8 students that do not have access to a device to […]

Posted inNews

Governor, DOH announce that several local and national organizations are offering free services to Rhode Islanders

via RIDOH Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today announced that several local and national organizations are offering free services to Rhode Islanders during the coronavirus public health crisis.  The Rhode Island Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island have launched a fund to support local nonprofit organizations on the front line of […]

Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles

Cabin Fever Chronicles: Your stories of coping with coronavirus in Newport

What’s Up Newp’s “Cabin Fever Chronicles” is the place to share stories and thoughts about how you and your family are coping with restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll feature tips and anecdotes from our readers and others about how we’re all living with the coronavirus outbreak. How much toilet paper are you hoarding? (You […]

Posted inCity & Government

Town of Middletown declares State of Emergency; extends budget deadlines

Shawn Brown, Administrator for Town of Middletown, has signed two executive orders, one declaring a state of emergency for the Town of Middletown, and the second one extending the budget deadlines for the School Committee and for the Town Administrator. More information may be found on the town’s website at https://middletownri.com/blog/2020/03/15/covid19/  

Posted inCity & Government, News

WATCH LIVE: Governor, DOH provide COVID-19 update

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH will provide updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today, Tuesday, March 17th, at 1 p.m. in Conference Room 2A at the Department of Administration. Quick updates coming out of press conference (being updated); Governor announces two new cases […]

Posted inNews

COVID-19: Local and national resources

COVID-19 Live Blogs LIVE BLOG – COVID-19: The latest local updatesLIVE BLOG: Government, school, and business cancellations and closuresList of Newport County restaurants that are closing amid COVID-19 concernsNewport County restaurants offering take-out & delivery (Updating) How What’s Up Newp Can Help Coronavirus: What What’s Up Newp is doing to serve our readersEditor’s Note: A […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

DMV limits service to Cranston office through March 31

via Department of Revenue DMV satellite offices in Middletown, Wakefield, Warren, Westerly and Woonsocket are closed through at least Friday, March 20. All licensing road tests are cancelled for this week. The Cranston DMV has halted services for personal driver licenses, state IDs, and registration services through Friday, March 20. The DMV has extended driver […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

WalletHub Study: Rhode Island is the most aggressive state versus Coronavirus

With states taking actions such as closing bars and restaurants or banning large gatherings to fight the spread of the coronavirus, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Most Aggressive States Against the Coronavirus. To identify which states are taking the largest actions to combat coronavirus, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the […]

Posted inCity & Government

State Services, public meetings moving to online and phone only; Rhode Islanders encouraged to avoid DMV

via Department Of Health Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today announced that customer-facing services at the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Labor and Training (DLT), and HealthSource RI will be moving to online and telephone-only services until further notice. This includes all new applications, […]

Gift this article