Visitors to Portsmouth asked to self-quarantine

PORTSMOUTH — The Town of Portsmouth is asking all out-of-state visitors, travelers and seasonal residents to self-quarantine for a period of two weeks while visiting the town. 

Homeowners and seasonal residents traveling from locations with confirmed cases of COVID-19, or who may have come in contact with anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to self-quarantine. 

“With a large population of seasonal and part-time residents, particularly on Prudence Island, we are acutely aware of the potential for community spread associated with interstate travel,” stated a press release from the town Wednesday. “Anyone who is visiting or residing temporarily in Portsmouth from locations with a ‘shelter in place order’ in effect, are asked to place themselves in self-quarantine for a period of two weeks and to monitor themselves daily for any flu-like symptoms, including fever, nausea, body aches and sore throats or coughs.”

While the town currently does not have any plans to issue a formal stay-in-place order, it’s continuing to respond to guidance provided by the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rhode Island Department of Health, and the governor’s office, and further restrictions are possible. 

The Town’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone who requires assistance related to COVID-19 is encouraged to call 401/643-0379 or e-mail covid@portsmouthri.com.