NEW: Rhode Island Announces Closure of Pawtucket DHS Office Due to Coronavirus Concerns

NEW: Rhode Island Announces Closure of Pawtucket DHS Office Due to Coronavirus Concerns

Rhode Island officials announced that in consultation with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), the Department of Human Services (DHS) is temporarily closing its Pawtucket office at 249 Roosevelt Avenue. 

The office, which has been closed to the public since March 17, 2020, will now be shuttered to all personnel. 

"Based on initial discussions with RIDOH, we have reason to believe that 'a sizeable number of staff' at this site may need to quarantine due to potential exposure to COVID-19," said the state in their release. 

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Staff were sent home Thursday until further notice, and the agency will be conducting a "deep clean" of the office per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

DHS will continue to work with RIDOH to take any further action necessary to help prevent the spread of this virus and protect staff, according to the state.