New Coronavirus Regulations Go Into Effect In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — As the weather warms and more and more Rhode Islanders get their coronavirus vaccines, the state is taking a major step forward in the reopening process. Starting Friday, new rules go into effect, that allow for greater capacity at businesses, larger social gatherings and more.

This latest round of regulations comes ahead of more sweeping changes ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The new rules were developed with fully vaccinated people in mind, said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. As the state continues to reopen, activities like eating out at a restaurant, going to large social gatherings or being in crowded public areas become more and more high-risk for unvaccinated people, she said.

"Every day you don't get vaccinated, your risk of getting COVID-19 gets higher," Alexander-Scott said previously.

The new regulations are summarized below.

• Mask-wearing: Required indoors and in public areas where 3-foot spacing is not possible. Fully vaccinated people can go maskless in outdoor spaces when distancing is possible. (Effective April 28)
• Indoor dining: Capacity raised to 80 percent indoors or 100 percent outdoors, with 3-foot table spacing requirements. No restrictions on party size at tables.
• Bar areas: Seated service and plexiglass dividers required.
• Catered events: 80 percent capacity, up to 200 people indoors or 500 people outdoors. Testing prior to events is recommended, and required for student events like proms.
• Houses of worship: 80 percent capacity, with 3-foot spacing required.
• Retail stores: 80 percent capacity, with 3-foot spacing required.
• Gyms, fitness facilities: 80 percent capacity, with 3-foot spacing required.
• Personal services (salons, barbers, etc.): 80 percent capacity, with 3-foot spacing required.
• Venues of assembly: 80 percent capacity, up to 500 people indoors and no cap outdoors; 3-foot spacing required. Department. of Business Regulation approval is required for events with 2,500 people or more.
• Funeral homes: 80 percent capacity, with 3-foot spacing required.
• Offices: 80 percent capacity, with 3-foot spacing required.
• Social gatherings: Up to 25 people indoors or 75 people outdoors.