State hosts forums for businesses planning to reopen

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - State officials have planned a series of virtual forums this week for the owners and operators businesses that will be allowed to reopen next week as Rhode Island’s economic restart continues.

The forums being hosted by the Rhode Island Commerce Corp. and the state Department of Health will outline safety requirements for reopening.

Business owners will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each forum.

Gov. Gina Raimondo has said the state wants business input on the decisions.

The forums for gyms and fitness studios as well as general businesses are scheduled for Wednesday.

Forums for personal services businesses - including hair and nail salons - and for restaurants are scheduled for Thursday.

MILK GIVEAWAY

New England dairy farmers are holding a milk giveaway in Pawtucket on Wednesday.

The coronavirus pandemic and the closure of schools and restaurants has limited the demand for milk and many farmers have been dumping the excess.

But instead of dumping the milk, the Dairy Farmers of America, a national dairy cooperative, and its New England farm family members are donating 4,300 gallons of milk to families in need at McCoy Stadium.

Walk-up and drive-up customers will be limited to two gallons. The event will go on until all the milk is gone.