Governor Gina Raimondo announced on Wednesday that she is extending Phase 3 of the reopening of Rhode Island for 30 days, through August 28th, rather than moving to Phase 4. In her weekly press briefing about COVID-19 the governor blamed "too much partying" for the recent spike in the number of cases, citing specific instances of the virus spreading at a party, a baby shower and a baseball banquet.
Raimondo also announced that the limit on social gatherings is being reduced from 25 to 15 people. The limit on professionally catered events stays at 50 for indoors, and 100 for outdoors.
Enforcement of social distancing rules is being ramped up at bars and restaurants. The governor said that the names of establishments which are closed due to non-compliance will be posted on https://reopeningri.com/ Anyone who witnesses a business which is not complying with state regulations can now report it by calling 401-889-5550.
Regarding schools, Governor Raimondo says that the state still plans to send all children to school on August 31st, but only if particular benchmarks for readiness are met in each district. A final determination will be announced the week of 8/16.
COVID-19 Data for 7/29:
-New cases = 61
-New fatalities = 2
-Tests on Tuesday 7/28: 3,354