UPDATED: RI DMV Closed Due to Coronavirus - After Employee Tests Positive
GoLocalProv News Team
UPDATED: RI DMV Closed Due to Coronavirus - After Employee Tests Positive
Governor Gina Raimondo's office, however, refused to answer questions about the decision to close the facility.
At 1 PM, the office released a statement - that a DMV employee tested positive.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"We have been informed that a DMV staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. We understand that this is a difficult time for both customers and state employees. Keeping everyone safe must be our first priority," said Brenna McCabe with the administration.
"For that reason, DMV operations are temporarily closed to the public today, April 2 and tomorrow, April 3 so we can conduct some additional cleaning in the facility. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. Please check the DMV website for updates."
Follow-up questions asking if DMV colleagues -- or the public -- need to self-quarantine were responded as follows:
"The Rhode Island Department of Health conducts a thorough contact tracing process when any Rhode Islander tests positive, which identifies and notifies individuals who need to quarantine and self-monitor. The State is cleaning the building and has been taking additional precautions to best protect our staff and the public. Our main message for the public is that it is more important than ever for Rhode Islanders to wash their hands, practice social distancing and adhere to the Governor’s Executive Orders at every opportunity. We should all consider ourselves the first line of defense against the spread of COVID-19."
DMV Message
The DMV provided the following statement on Thursday.
ATTENTION: Due to the impact of the Covid-19 Crisis, DMV operations are closed for Thursday, April 2. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Please check the DMV website for updates.
All DMV satellite offices are closed.
All road tests are cancelled through Friday, April 3, 2020.
The Division of Motor Vehicles is temporarily waiving the requirement for a VIN check on out of state titles to be conducted by your local police station. The VIN will be electronically verified at the time of titling.
To ensure customers are not penalized for the actions we are taking to further protect health and safety, the DMV will be extending driver licenses, learner permits, ID's, CLPs, CDLs, registrations, inspection stickers, and disability placards scheduled to expire in the months of March or April 2020 by 90 days.
UPDATED THURSDAY 3:26 PM