As the state of Rhode Island prepares for phase 1 of its reopening, on Saturday, Governor Gina Raimondo is encouraging "patience and flexibility." In her Friday press briefing, the governor reviewed guidelines for the upcoming reopening. Non-essential retailers can open on Saturday with some restrictions, including specific capacity restrictions. Raimondo says that businesses found to be non-compliant with regulations can be fined or shut down. Task force from RI Dept. of Health will be conducting inspections starting this weekend.
Here is a summary of Phase 1 of the reopening plan for RI, as reported here yesterday:
- Residents are encouraged to keep social networks at a minimum and group gatherings are still limited to five people.
- The limit of 5 people at social gatherings may be lifted on May 22nd and will likely be expanded to 10-15 people.
- All updated restrictions can be found at:https://www.reopeningri.com/
- Under the plan, non-essential retail stores can open with capacity limits.
- Workers who work from home are encouraged to continue to do so.
- Health care offices can open for non-emergency visits and procedures. This segment of the local economy has been especially hard hit and the governor says sh hopes that lifting the stay-at-home order will result in more people getting back to work.
- Parks will begin to open. Lists of open parks and updated regulations are on the RI D.E.M website:http://riparks.com/index.html
- Travelers coming to RI for non-business of medical purposes must still quarantine for 14 days.
- Barber shops, salons, gyms, bowling alleys, entertainment venues remain closed, but will likely open in Phase 2.
- Through June 5th:
- Travelers from outside U.S. must self-quarantine for 14 days
- Time period for background checks on gun sales may take up to 30 days
- Health insurance must cover tele-health virtual visits.
- Religious services: Places of worship may open for participation of up to 5 people at service.
- Funerals will be allowed to be held with up to 10 attendees.
- Updated regulations for religious services can be found at:https://www.reopeningri.com/
Friday data:
- New cases: 249. Total = 10,779
- New fatalities: 11 (ages 60's-90's). Total= 399
- Total number of test conducted: 85,266
data & graphic: RIDOH