From RI Governor Gina Raimondo's daily COVID-19 briefing:
- 175 New cases. Total=9,652
- 21 New fatalities. Total= 341 (New deaths - ages 40's to 90's. 17 were 80+)
- Governor says compliance with mask-wearing mandate in stores is seeing 95% compliance
- RI still testing highest number of people per capita of any state.
- Gov. Raimondo says Phase 1 of state reopening on track for May 9th. More details announced:
- (Phase 1 projected to last for 2 weeks with declining numbers of cases and hospitalizations)
- Phase 1 opening will not look dramatically different, as lifting the stay-at-home order will be gradual.
- Non-critical retail stores can open on May 9th, but with limited in-store traffic. Store capacity will depend upon store size.
- 1 person browsing allowed per 300 square feet of space. (Example, A 3,000 square foot store (50 ft x 60 ft.) can have 10 people inside.
- Six feet of spacing required between customers and staff.
- Restaurants will not open to indoor dining in phase 1.
- Outdoor seating may be allowed on limited basis, during phase 1, but not by May 9th.
- Restaurants must require reservations in order to avoid over-crowding and lines of people waiting.
- Restaurant staff must wear masks.
- In-restaurant dining may be allowed by phase 2 (potentially some time in June).
- Also in Phase 1:
- Anyone who can work from home should continue doing so in phase 1.
- After returning to offices, workplaces must allow employees to maintain 6 feet of social distancing. Governor recommends staggered staffing schedules.
- Common areas and break rooms should be closed.
- Equipment and work-spaces should be limited for use by one person.
- People who has deferred health care treatment can start making appointments.
- No visitation allowed at nursing homes.