Keep Easter, Passover Celebrations Small In RI This Year: McKee

PROVIDENCE, RI — Easter and Passover have arrived, and with it a new round of safety suggestions from Rhode Island leaders.

Unlike pandemic holidays past, gatherings aren't entirely off the table this time around. However, Gov. Dan McKee and the state's top doctor urged Rhode Islanders to be extra careful to avoid another post-holiday spike like those seen after Thanksgiving and other end-of-year holidays.

"We cannot let that happen again," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Department of Health. "Please, err on the side of caution."

McKee echoed the sentiment, urged residents to "be extra careful this weekend" and to consider virtual religious services to avoid crowding in houses of worship.

For those who plan to have a holiday gathering with family or friends, Alexander-Scott encouraged taking the following precautions:

• Celebrate outside, if possible, especially when eating.
• When indoors, seat members of different households at least 6 feet apart, and wear masks when not eating.
• Get tested before and after seeing people outside your household

Social gatherings are still limited to two households indoors or three households outdoors, Alexander-Scott said.

"This year, we have a lot to be hopeful about," Alexander-Scott said. "Things are a lot different than they were this time last year."

That being said, she reminded Rhode Islanders that danger is still present, especially in the form of dangerous COVID-19 variants. Until the majority of residents can get vaccinated, it's important to continue to follow safety regulations to restrict the spread of the virus, Alexander-Scott said.

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