R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-9-20: Delivery of goods not infected — Cleansing or destruction of infected goods.

All goods that are judged by the city or town council not to be infected shall be delivered to the owners without delay and expense of airing and as soon as may be consistent with the safety of the city or town; and all goods, wares, and merchandise imported into any city or town by land from any place infected with the smallpox or other contagious or infectious distemper, shall be aired and cleansed at the discretion of the city or town council of that city or town and at the expense of their owners, or destroyed if necessary.