As Rhode Island Reopens, A Plea For Patience And Tolerance

PROVIDENCE, RI — Friday marks the beginning of a new phase in Rhode Island, as nearly all pandemic-related regulations lift and life begins to return to some semblance of normal. After more than a year of fear and uncertainty, Gov. Dan McKee reminded Rhode Islanders to be patient and show kindness as they start to navigate this new world.

"Please be patient with each other as we navigate this latest phase of reopening," McKee said during Thursday's news conference.

McKee reminded Rhode Islanders that everyone will have different levels of comfort when it comes to reopening measures and mask-wearing, and that an adjustment period will be needed.

"it's going to be the same thing [as learning to always wear a mask in public], but in reverse," McKee said.

Although fully vaccinated Rhode Islanders no longer are required to wear a mask either indoors or outdoors, businesses still have the right to require masks inside. Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, reminded residents that these measures may be in place to protect an immunocompromised employee, to make employees or other patrons feel more comfortable or a variety of other reasons, so it's important to ""be patient, be tolerant and be respectful" if asked to wear a mask.

"Don't just ditch your mask ... you don't know if a mask will be required in the place you're going," she said. "Let's support each other as we are reopening our community."

Read more: Rhode Island Enters Final Phase Of Reopening Friday: What To Know