Overview
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 (formerly referred to as 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) is a respiratory virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China in December of 2019.
The developments associated with COVID-19 are rapidly evolving, and the Town of Bristol will continue to provide residents and businesses with information on this webpage.
COVID-19 Testing Information
To schedule your test, please visit portal.ri.gov or call 401-222-8022.
To learn more about scheduling a Rapid or PCR COVID-19 Test, please visit the State website here.
COVID-19 Data Portal
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is working with the CDC to track confirmed and potential cases throughout the state. Additionally, RIDOH is tracking the State’s vaccination progress.
At-Home Test Kits
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four (4) free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Business Resources
The Town of Bristol has established a listing to help connect businesses with available COVID-19 disaster resources. For more information, please contact Bristol Town Hall at 401-253-7000.
Reopening Rhode Island
The State of Rhode Island has created a website that outlines the latest COVID-19 mandates and guidance for businesses.
State COVID-19 Assistance
Commerce RI Business Support
Commerce Rhode Island has established a COVID-19 site that includes a comprehensive list of State services being offered to businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
Call 401-521-HELP for more information, or follow the link below.
RI Department of Health Business Support
The Rhode Island Department of Health is currently offering On-Site Business Vaccination Clinics and a Community Support Testing Program for businesses. For more information, please contact the Rhode Island Department of Health using the link below.
SBA Business Support
In response to COVID-19, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering several financial relief options for businesses.
EastBayRI Open Businesses
East Bay Media Group is maintaining a list of restaurants and businesses that are open or have adjusted hours of operation. Businesses are encouraged to add their listing to the East Bay RI website using the link below.
Local COVID-19 Relief
Temporary Outdoor Dining Expansion “Eat Out Zone” Program
To promote safe public access to restaurants and local businesses, Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente signed Executive Order 20-09, which authorized the creation of temporary eat-out zones.
This program ended on November 30th, 2021.
Bristol Take It Outside Program
The Town of Bristol partnered with the Bristol Merchants Association (BMA) to supply businesses with outdoor equipment including heating lamps, tents, string lights, and propane.
This program ended on November 30th, 2021.
Microenterprise Stabilization Grant Program (MicroE)
The Town of Bristol, with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds provided by the R. I. Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is offering working capital grants to qualifying small business microenterprises adversely impacted by COVID-19. Learn more about the program eligibility and details.
The deadline to submit an application was April 29th, 2021 at 4:00 PM.
COVID-19 Property Tax Deferral
Authorized under Bristol Executive Order 20-05, residential and commercial property owners were able to request a 90-day waiver for local property tax late fees and interest for payments due May 15th, 2020. For more information, please email to [email protected].
This program ended on May 15th, 2020.
State Updates
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is leading the State’s COVID-19 response efforts. The latest information, guidance, and mandates issued by the State are available on the RIDOH website.
Resident Resources
COVID-19 At-Home Test Kits
Federal At-Home Test Kits – Every home in the U.S. can order four (4) free at-home COVID-19 tests beginning January 19th, 2022.
Pharmacy At-Home Test Kits – COVID-19 test appointments and at-home test kits are available at select pharmacies and respiratory clinics throughout the State of Rhode Island.
Town of Bristol At-Home Test Kits – The Town of Bristol offers test kits to senior residents and those who have a weakened immune system. For more information, please contact Mary Ann Quinn at 401-253-1611.
401Health App
401Health is Rhode Island’s public health mobile application. Currently, the application provides Rhode Islanders with an easy way to track COVID-19 symptoms; find COVID-19 vaccine records; and learn about COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination. The app can be downloaded in the App Store or Google Play.
RentReliefRI
Rhode Island has received $200 million in rent relief funds from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program. This program will provide rental and utility relief payments to help eligible renters maintain housing stability.
Please Note: The federally-funded RentReliefRI program closed to new applications on June 1, 2022.
COVID-19 Test Portal
The State of Rhode Island has established a website to schedule a COVID-19 test and view test results.
RI Delivers
The State of Rhode Island has established a website with information on local organizations that can assist with grocery, medicatiosn, and meal delivery.
COVID-19 Fact Page
The CDC has created a fact page to provide residents with information on COVID-19.
Mental Health Service Hotline
During this difficult time, the State of Rhode Island wants all residents to know they can call the mental health hotline. This hotline is available 24/7.
Safe Harbor Housing Program – United Way
Are you a tenant behind on your rent because of COVID-19?
Are you a landlord whose tenants need help getting back on their feet?
Safe Harbor is an eviction diversion initiative designed to help Rhode Island landlords and tenants resolve disputes over late or unpaid rent without having to go through the traditional court process.
FAQs
Is Bristol Town Hall open?
Bristol Town Hall has reopened to the public for its normal business hours. Please Note: As of Friday, February 11th, 2022, a face mask is optional inside town facilities. Cleaning protocols are in place inside Town Hall.
Can I conduct business with the Town online?
Yes. The Town of Bristol encourages residents and businesses to conduct their business online during the local State of Emergency.
Tax Payments: Residents and businesses can conveniently pay their property taxes online at https://www.ri.gov/bristol/tax/payment/ or by U.S. mail. Checks should be mailed to 10 Court Street Bristol, RI 02809.
Building Permits: Residents and businesses can apply for a variety of building permits through the Town’s Viewpoint Cloud platform at bristolri.viewpointcloud.com.
Municipal Court Fees: Constituents can pay traffic and parking tickets online at www.curiasystems.com/payment.
File a Police Report: The Bristol Police Department provides a convenient alternative for citizens to report non-emergency situations that have occurred with the Town of Bristol, RI. The online reporting system can be used to report vandalism, identity theft, credit card fraud, lost/missing items, theft of packages, harassment and other non-emergency incidents. If you are reporting an incident to Bristol Police that involves an emergency requiring immediate police response DIAL 9-1-1.
Town Clerk Services: The Bristol Town Clerk’s Office offers constituents several online services including access to the land evidence database, submission of a public records request, and vital records requests. To learn more, please visit the Town website at www.bristolri.gov.
Who should I contact for questions regarding the Town’s COVID-19 response efforts?
Contacts:
Michael DeMello, Fire Chief / Emergency Management Director | [email protected]
Where can I view the local COVID-19 Executive Orders and Directives?
For your convenience, the Town of Bristol has provided PDF versions of Bristol’s COVID-19 Executive Orders below.
Where can I view the local COVID-19 Executive Orders and Directives?
For your convenience, the Town of Bristol has provided PDF versions of Bristol’s COVID-19 Executive Orders below.