Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo gave residents and businesses high marks on Wednesday for following social distancing and mask wearing protocols. Raimondo says that overall the holiday weekend seemed to go smoothly in Rhode Island. None of the state beach parking lots reached capacity over the weekend. The only guidelines not being followed widely concern restaurants, with many places not enforcing the six foot social distance. A majority of restaurants are also not taking names and contact information from each dining party. That information is needed to allow tracking of any potential COVID-19 cases.
The governor announced new enforcement policies regarding rules pertaining to businesses and social distancing. An "egregious disregard of rules" will result in the issue of a compliance order or fine. Second offenses will result in a fine or the closing of the offending establishment until they can show that rules are being followed. Businesses with lesser disregard of rules, or those making mistakes will receive a warning for first offense and a compliance order or fine for a second offense.
Additionally, Governor Raimondo and Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott of the RI Department of Health announced on Wednesday:
- Travel to RI from any state with 5% positive test rate still requires 14 day quarantine, unless visitor has documented negative test in past 72 hours. Or, visitor may be tested in RI. (Currently affects travel from 28 states.)
- Nursing homes now allowed to permit visitors, with restrictions: Visits should be scheduled in advance and should not exceed 30 minutes. All visitors must be screened for COVID-19. Outdoor visits preferred whenever possible. Visitors must wear masks. (Check with each facility for specific rules, as they may vary.)
- Hospital visitation now be allowed on limited basis. Level 2 requirements include screening of all visitors. Visitors must wear masks. Short duration of visits.
- COVID-19 Date for Wednesday 7/08
- New cases: 41
- New fatalities: 2
- Tested on Tuesday: 3,383