New Hope For Proms, Graduations In RI As Restrictions Loosen

PROVIDENCE, RI — It's spring in Rhode Island, which usually mean proms and graduations, rites of passage for high schools seniors. While all end-of-year celebrations were off the table last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, things are looking up this year.

The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Commerce Department are working with schools to help schools plan for safe, socially distanced celebrations this spring.

"Proms and graduations will happen this spring," Gov. Dan McKee said at this week's coronavirus news conference.

Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor said that dancing is allowed under the current regulations for catered events, provided it's within a "pod." That means dancing is restricted to those sitting together at a table.

Under the current guidelines for catered events, venues can have up to 100 people indoors or 200 outdoors. Starting May 15, that will be changed to 150 people inside and 250 outside, followed by 200 people inside and 300 outside.

Graduations are not bound by the same rules are catered events and other large gatherings. Unlike other events with 500 people or more, schools will not be required to come up with specific plans with the departments of business regulation and health. State officials are working with schools to make sure graduations can happen safely, Pryor said.

Read more: Rhode Island Sets New Target Dates For Vaccination Rates