Governor Raimondo and Commerce Secretary, Stefan Pryor, on their daily update expressed their support of the efforts of the manufacturing community. Manufacturers are taking the lead on how best to protect their employees and setting a high bar. All manufacturers are working to meet the RI DOH protocols or surpass those requirements for a healthy workplace combating the spread of the coronavirus. Below is the comments made by Secretary Pryor….
Commerce Secretary Pryor made the following announcement related to manufacturing during the daily televised press conference with Governor Raimondo on Sunday, March 29:
The Secretary thanked Rhode Island’s manufacturers and said, “you all have been incredible; the level of cooperation that our industrial leaders have been showing us has been phenomenal. The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, led by Dave Chenevert in particular, has been an amazing partner. They are in the process of sending out a pledge for Rhode Island’s manufacturers to sign saying manufacturers are following best practices and the protocols of Rhode Island Department of Health, informed by [Federal guidance] and others. They are working hard to make sure all employers know about best practices including: spacing (ensuring all employees are working 6 feet apart, avoiding gatherings in areas including breakrooms and cafeterias, screening employees for symptoms, not allowing people to enter facilities or the work environment [whenever it can be avoided] including truck and delivery drivers) but of course treating all people with respect. These are the things RIMA and some of their partners like Polaris MEP and some key manufacturers have been doing with their own initiatives in collaboration with Governor Raimondo and us and we are so grateful.” The Secretary went on to say, “It is one of the reasons we have confidence, for now, we can continue manufacturing operations in Rhode Island. Thank you very, very much. We ask each and every manufacturer to be in touch with Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) on this new pledge they will be asking you to review and sign.”
