Declaration of Disaster Emergency – COVID-19 (Executive Order 20-02 of Governor of State of Rhode Island)

1. A state of emergency is declared for the State of Rhode Island due to the dangers to health and life posed by COVID-19 and the state disaster emergency plan is activated.

2. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is directed to stand up the state emergency operations center and to activate all other necessary state emergency response plans, policies, compacts and agreements, to create and establish mobile support units, and to activate and deploy disaster response teams and disaster response workers to perform disaster response services.

3. The Adjutant General is authorized to order Rhode Island National Guard members to state active duty, if necessary, to assist in the response to this event.

4. All state departments, agencies or quasi-state agencies and boards and commissions performing executive functions shall cooperate fully with RIEMA in all matters concerning this Order. Efforts to provide emergency disaster relief to affected cities and towns should be coordinated by and through RIEMA.

5. All state offices and operations shall remain open until further notice and continue to operate in their ordinary course of business.

6. As of the date of this order, no person, firm or corporation shall increase the price of personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, bleach or other household disinfectant it sells or offers for sale at retail. Pursuant to section 6-13-21 of the Rhode Island General Laws, it shall be an unfair sales practice for individuals or retailers to participate in price gouging for any other essential commodity during the pendency of this emergency. Executive Order 20-02 March 9, 2020 Page 3

7. Pursuant to the emergency powers granted by the Rhode Island General Laws, and any other applicable provisions of state or federal law, I shall from time to time issue additional recommendations, directions and orders as circumstances require, either written or verbal. This Order shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until April 8, 2020, unless renewed, modified or terminated by subsequent Executive Order. ~ Gina M. Raimondo Governor