Header, the Administration of the Honorable Lincoln C. Almond
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Executive Order 96-11
September 6, 1996


DECLARATION OF HEALTH EMERGENCY TO WESTERLY

WHEREAS, on September 5, 1996 the Department of Environmental Management received laboratory test results showing that six different species of mosquitoes collected in Westerly manifest evidence of Eastern Encephalitis Virus, with a positive rate of 1 in 100 mosquitoes; and

WHEREAS, this level of virus in mosquitoes is significantly above background levels and demonstrates widespread circulation of the virus; and

WHEREAS, the Rhode Island Departments of Health and Environmental Management, as well as the United States Center for Disease Control, conclude from the test results that the risk of transmission of the virus is heightened to an extent that requires emergency action to protect the public health; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Westerly has declared a local state of emergency within that community and has requested the assistance of the State in responding to this emergency;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LINCOLN ALMOND, by virtue of the authority vested in me under the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island and R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-15-9, do hereby proclaim the following nunc pro tunc:

1. A health emergency is declared for the community of Westerly.

2. The Department of Environmental Management shall expedite continued larvicide mosquito spraying and shall commence adulticide mosquito spraying in all affected public and private locations as required. Any and all state procurement procedures impairing the ability of DEM to undertake such spraying immediately are hereby suspended.

3. Local authorities shall suspend all public outdoor recreational activities in the Westerly area in the evening and early morning hours when the infected mosquitoes present the greatest risk of infecting humans. Persons in the Westerly region who must be outdoors are directed to use insect repellent containing DEET and wear protective clothing. All Rhode Islanders are advised to take similar personal precautions against mosquitoes before undertaking outdoor activities.in the evening and early morning hours.

4. Authorities in the neighboring State of

Connecticut will be advised of developments to effect coordination of abatement efforts.

This Executive Order shall be deemed effective retroactively to 6:00 p.m., September 5, 1996 and shall remain in effect until a subsequent Executive Order declares an end to this health emergency.

So Ordered:


Lincoln Almond
Governor