Governor Gina Raimondo says the state will move ahead with plans to enter "Phase 3" of its reopening. While the U.S. recently hit an all-time high for new COVID-19 cases, with over 44,000 recorded on Friday, Rhode Island continues to be among the most successful at fighting the virus. Rhode Island and Connecticut are the only states in the country to record a lower number of new cases last week than the previous week.
The governor laid out a comprehensive plan for social gatherings, events and businesses on Monday, but cautioned that maintaining social distancing and wearing masks are still essential parts of the plan. Raimondo cited examples of areas which have not effectively enforced social distancing and are seeing a resurgence in cases and hospitalizations. Florida, Texas, Arizona and southern California are all reversing their reopening plans, forcing bars and other businesses to close.
- Social Gatherings (including weddings)
- Indoors: Limit 25 people (Exception: 50 people for events with licensed catering)
- Outdoors: Limit 50 people (Exception: 100 people for events with licensed catering)
- Public events and venues (concerts, religious services)
- Indoors: Limit 125 people. Up to 66% capacity with 6 foot spacing and masks.
- Outdoors: Limit of 250 people. 6 foot spacing and masks.
- 4th of July Outdoors: Subject to beach/park rules. Over 250 people requires submitting plan to state of RI.
- Public places of interaction (businesses, restaurants, gyms, retail, etc)
- Indoors: 66% of capacity
- Outdoors: 6 foot distancing and masks.
- Bars and nightclubs
- Remain under Phase 2 rules. No increases in crowd limits.
- 50% capacity limit
- Table seating only. No bar or standing service.
- 8 foot spacing of tables.
- No live entertainment. (bands, games, etc.)
- All Entertainment venues can open (movie theaters, bowling alleys, etc.).
- Seated capacity is 66%.
- Standing or free-flowing events: Capacity limited to 1 person per 100 square feet of space.
- Travel
- Anyone coming to RI from a state with 5%+ positive COVID-19 tests: 14 day quarantine required unless you have a documented negative COVID-19 test within the past 72 hours.
- Executive Orders Extended to August 3rd
- Face coverings must be worn when 6 foot spacing cannot be maintained for 10 minutes or more.
- Tele-medicine must be covered by health insurance at same rate as in-person
Data for Monday, 6/29
- 16 new cases
- 6 new fatalities
graphics: RIDOH/ WJAR-TV graphic