Barrington Extends Coronavirus State Of Emergency

BARRINGTON, RI — The Barrington Town Council has extended its declared state of emergency for another month.

The provisions of the state of emergency — which are in line with the state's restrictions and guidelines for the state of phase 3 of RI's reopening that began on June 29 — will continue until Aug. 8, unless amended. Restrictions include those on gathering limits, customers allowed per square foot of retail outlets, restaurant capacity and requirements regarding face masks when social distancing of 6 feet cannot be guaranteed.

Gov. Gina Raimondo last Monday gave the go-ahead for the state to move into phase 3 of the economic reopening plan as the spread of the coronavirus in the state has slowed.

Phase 3 allows for eased restrictions on social gathering limits and the reopening of most businesses in the state. Social gatherings are limited to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Those figures are down from 75 and 150, respectively, that were included in the original phase plan.

Weddings are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Outdoor performances open to the public, such as concerts and small festivals, are allowed with up to 125 people indoors and 250 people outdoors.

Phase 3 also allows the opening of entertainment businesses, such as bowling alleys, movie theaters and museums. Retails stores and indoor restaurants are able to increase from 50 percent capacity to 66 percent capacity, and competitions are allowed in certain no-contact and low-contact sports, such as baseball, softball, golf and tennis.

Nursing home visitations will be allowed as of Wednesday.