On Thursday November 5th, the Governor revised the State's Phase 3 Re-Opening Plan and implemented a number of new restrictions in response to the State's increasing COVID-19 numbers. The goal is to have a strategic and targeted approach when implementing interventions, while limiting the impact on commerce, and protecting both jobs and education. In reviewing the data, the majority of COVID-19 cases are coming from unstructured, informal, social settings - when people are with those they are comfortable with, feel safe with, and they are letting their guard down. This can't happen - we need to remain vigilant at all times. The State's COVID-19 numbers are increasing, at a concerning rate. The Governor indicated - Rhode Island is 1 million people strong - and we all need to ask ourselves, "what can we do right now, today, to make a difference?"
The updated restrictions are outlined below, as indicated in a recent communication from the Governor's Office. Watch the Governor's full Press Conference and read the updated Executive Orders on Mask Wearing (EO 20-94) and Revised Phase 3 requirements (EO 20-95). Sign up to receive emails from the Governor with the latest COVID-19 information and updates
✔️ Stay At Home Advisory
"Effective Sunday, a stay-at-home advisory is in effect from 10pm-5am on weeknights and 10:30pm-5am on Fridays and Saturdays. At that time, unless you’re going to and from work or running essential errands like getting food or going to the pharmacy, you should be in your own home. Not someone else’s home – your home. We know that late-night house parties are a major factor in this second wave. And if you’re at a restaurant or bar until that time, once it closes, drive straight home. We’re not going to take a heavy hand – as always, our approach calls for voluntary compliance. But if we do see big parties at any time of day, and particularly at night, we will break them up and fine you."
✔️ Early Closures
Also effective Sunday, all restaurants, bars, gyms, recreational facilities (such as casinos, bowling alleys, and museums), and personal services must close at 10pm on weeknights, and 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Restaurants can continue to offer takeout and drive-through after that time."
✔️ Venues of Assembly
"We’re lowering the capacity limit for indoor events and venues of assembly to 50%, with a maximum of 125 people. For outdoors, the limit will be 66%, with a maximum of 150 people. This applies to things like performing arts venues, movie theaters, and houses of worship. I’d ask everyone to consider switching to virtual worship for the next few weeks."
✔️ Catered Events
"We’re reducing the limit for catered events to 25 indoors and 75 outdoors. If you already have a wedding planned in the next two weeks, we’re able to consider an exception if you contact the Department of Business Regulation. "
✔️ Big Box Stores
"We’re reducing the capacity limit at malls and big box stores – retailers with more than 30,000 sq. ft. of space – back to the Phase 2 limit of 1 person per 150 sq. ft. Over the last few weeks, we’ve started to see more crowding at these businesses, and we anticipate that will continue to increase as we head into a big shopping season."
✔️ Business Travel
"In addition to working from home when possible, we’re asking businesses to postpone or cancel nonessential work-related travel. We’re also leading by example in this regard and have put a hiatus on work-related travel for state employees."
✔️ Masks
"We’re updating our masking guidance to require masks at all times with anyone you don’t live with. That includes anytime you leave your home – including at the gym – and private gatherings if there’s anyone there you don’t live with."
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Town's COVID-19 webpage.