Rhode Island Raises Social Gathering Limit To 2 Households

PROVIDENCE, RI — For the first time since November, the social gathering limit is going up in Rhode Island. Starting Friday, residents can gather with one other household indoors, or two outdoors.

The two- or three-household gatherings should be exclusive, said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. That means households should agree to only meet with each other, period, not just one other household at a time. She also reiterated the importance of always wearing a mask when with anyone outside the immediate household.

Rhode Island's social gathering limit has been limited to single households since Nov. 19, when Gov. Gina Raimondo first announced the "pause" to try to slow the skyrocketing coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the state. As part of last week's changes to regulations, Alexander-Scott announced that up to two households could eat at the same table at a restaurant, or three if dining outdoors.

Also on Thursday, Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor announced more changes to restrictions on businesses, including increased capacity in houses of worship and the reopening of bar areas in restaurants.

Coronavirus in Rhode Island: Read more

• RI's Coronavirus Hospitalizations Near Safe Threshold
• Dunkin' Donuts Center Coronavirus Test Site Closing For Vaccines
• Salve Regina Implements Shelter-In-Place Amid Coronavirus Spike