Rhode Islanders Asked To Celebrate Christmas At Home

PROVIDENCE, RI — Christmas is just a few days away, and Rhode Island state officials are urging residents to keep their celebrations small: ideally only with members of their immediate household.

"We had hoped that Christmas would be different, but unfortunately we are where we are<" Gov. Gina Raimondo said during her weekly news conference. "I’m asking you to celebrate with the people you live with ... Protect your household, stick with your household."

The Christmas holiday comes just a few days after Rhode Island's coronavirus "pause" restrictions end. It's really important to keep gatherings small to avoid another surge in coronavirus cases that could overwhelm hospitals, Raimondo said. If too many Rhode Islanders gather in large groups without masks for the holidays, that will likely be the case, she said.

Raimondo said it was very difficult to make these announcements, and thanked Rhode Islanders for their sacrifices for nearly all the 2020 holidays: Easter, Passover, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving and more.

"I promise you next Christmas will be better," she said.

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