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Greetings. We once again write to you in acknowledgment of the difficult and often unprecedented situations facing many businesses, particularly our state’s small businesses. We thank you for your cooperation as we continue to seek out new resources, opportunities, and avenues to support you.
Earlier this week, Governor Raimondo announced that all employees of customer-facing businesses, office-based businesses, nonprofits, and manufacturers must wear cloth face coverings when they are at work and that all of these businesses must provide face coverings for their employees. You may read the full text of the governor’s executive order regarding wearing face masks here . This executive order, as implemented by the Department of Business Regulation, has been expanded to include, in effect, all businesses.
To help you, we have created a page on our website with details about sources of masks and how to make them at home.
I would also encourage you to post photos to social media highlighting the use of masks using the hashtag #MaskUpRI and we will endeavor to share on our social media channels. You can find more information on the Mask Up RI effort below.
We continue to be impressed by the creativity and initiative of RI’s businesses, which are adapting to address the new challenges they are facing — including the multiple RI manufacturers that have pivoted to produce cloth masks and, by doing so, are helping to make the state’s new face covering policy a reality and to keep us all safe.
Wishing you well, thankful for your resiliency, and ready to support you even more,
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Tech Resources for Small Biz
If you need help with technology in order to minimize in-person interactions as a result of coronavirus, RI’s leading tech businesses are volunteering free 45-minute remote support sessions. This help includes assistance with home technology, online meetings, e-commerce, remote working security, and more. Coaches with various specialties are available from Monday-Friday, 1 PM – 5 PM. Small businesses can sign up for a coaching session with the specialist of your choice here.
RI’s Manufacturers Pledge Safety
Dave Chenevert of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association recently appeared on GoLocalProv to give an update on their efforts, including their Manufacturers Pledge, in which RIMA is asking the state’s manufacturers to follow the latest protocols and guidance so they can remain open. Watch the full video here.
How You Can Support Local Businesses
While businesses do everything they can to help halt the spread of COVID-19, there are ways that you can shop remotely & electronically and support your local restaurants while following safety guidelines. Namely – if you’re able and up for it, please buy gift cards, shop online, order takeout and delivery. Purchasing a gift card to your favorite restaurant, shop, or venue is a great way to support local businesses immediately. Whether you give such cards as a gift or save them for future shopping or dining, purchasing gift cards will help businesses now . And with the “Gift it Forward” program, there’s a new way that makes it even easier for Rhode Islanders to support businesses impacted by COVID-19 by purchasing gift cards. You can lean more here . Although restaurant dining areas will be closed during the COVID-19 outbreak, you are still able to order take out or delivery from your favorite Rhode Island eateries. And while non-essential retail storefronts are closed, you can support many of your favorite retailers by visiting their websites to shop their collections online.
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