Raimondo Lifting Business Curfews As Coronavirus Cases Decrease

CRANSTON, RI — Gov. Gina Raimondo said she will sign an executive order Friday immediately lifting curfews for many Rhode Island businesses as coronavirus cases subside.

The policy, which required many businesses to close by 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, was originally scheduled to end Sunday but officials moved it up to help businesses, according to state Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott.

“Small businesses, especially our restaurants, have been hit so hard during this pandemic," state Commerce spokesperson Matt Sheaff said. "Because our COVID-19 data is showing positive signs across the board, we are able to gradually relax some of the business restrictions in place."

All other coronavirus restrictions were extended another month. Those restrictions include:

• Restaurants: Limited to 50 percent capacity; one household per table; bar areas must be closed.
• Gyms/indoor recreation facilities: One person allowed per 150 square feet.
• Schools: In-person learning allowed for preschool through eighth grade; high schools are allowed to have in-person learning at their discretion; remote learning only for colleges and universities.
• Assembly venues: Limited to 25 percent capacity, with a maximum of 125 people.