Politics & Government
New Shoreham To Consider Reinstating Indoor Mask Mandate
Cases have spiked recently on Block Island, a leading local doctor told the Town Council.
NEW SHOREHAM, RI — At the height of the summer season, and as COVID-19 cases climb on Block Island, New Shoreham town officials are considering whether to re-impose an indoor mask mandate.
The Town Council on Thursday will consider an emergency ordinance to protect residents and visitors "imperiled by the unforeseen circumstance of a large spike in the increase in COVID-19 cases in the Town as reported by the Block Island Medical Center," an agenda reads.
The council on Monday heard from Dr. Thomas Warcup, medical director of the Block Island Medical Center. He said over the last two weeks, 11 cases of the virus were reported, including three cases among people who had been fully vaccinated.
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Warcup told councilors that issuing a strong recommendation that people wear masks indoors would be one option. Another would be an indoor mask mandate, similar to that recently imposed in Provincetown, another popular tourist destination.
The council has set its meeting for July 29 at 7 p.m.
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