On the first day of phase 1 of the reopening of Rhode Island businesses, the state is reporting 210 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to date to 10,989. There are 19 new fatalities, bringing the total number to 418. The ages among the new cases range from 60's to 90's. Governor Gina Raimondo announced that she is extending another executive order, stating that utilities cannot be shut off for non-payment through May 31st.
Beginning Monday, Raimondo's
Here is a summary of Phase 1 of the reopening plan for RI, as reported here earlier this week:
- 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/