Tips For A Safe New Year's Eve 2020 In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — New Year's Eve is upon us, and Rhode Islanders are reminded to celebrate safely this year as the state contends with the coronavirus pandemic. All current safety regulations, including the limit on social gatherings and curfew for restaurants, are still in place.

"While we’re all looking forward to the start of a new year, COVID-19 is still going to be with us after the clock strikes twelve," Rhode Island Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott said. "If you go to a crowded, indoor gathering where there are people you don’t live with on New Year’s Eve, there is a chance that you will either catch or spread COVID-19. Protect your household by only gathering with the people you live with on New Year’s Eve. A virtual countdown to midnight or a virtual dinner or dessert with others are great alternatives to in-person gatherings."

To keep Rhode Islanders safe as they ring in the new year, the department of Health, along with the Department of Business Regulation, offered a few tips to stay safe this year. In the words of Gov. Gina Raimondo: protect your household.

• Do not gather with anyone outside your household to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Consider doing a virtual countdown to midnight with others or enjoy a virtual dinner or dessert with friends and family.

• If you do see people from outside your household, get tested for COVID-19. Testing is fast, easy, and free. Schedule a test at portal.ri.gov.
• At restaurants, only one household can be seated together at a table. Customers must remain seated at their tables. No congregating, standing, or comingling of parties is allowed.
• Restaurants must close at 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Restaurant capacity is limited to 50 percent.
• Bar areas must remain closed.
• Customers must wear a mask when not eating or drinking.
• All self-service stations such as buffets must be closed.
• Do not drink and drive. If you have had a sip of alcohol, you cannot drive.

Many restaurants are open for take-out service and delivery. Additionally, a list of holiday events, including virtual events, can be found on VisitRhodeIsland.com.

"Business owners have a critical role to play in limiting or preventing the spread of COVID-19 by welcoming and serving customers in a way that is healthy and safe," Liz Tanner, the director of the Department of Business Regulation. "We want Rhode Islanders to have an enjoyable and safe New Year’s Eve, but we must remain hypervigilant in our fight against COVID-19, and that means fully following the rules."

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