Business & Tech
'Significant' Coronavirus Reopening Coming To RI Next Week
For the first time in months, the social gathering limit will be raised to 15 people indoors or 50 people outdoors.
PROVIDENCE, RI — Big changes are coming to Rhode Island next week. Due to the continued improvement of the state's coronavirus data, regulations on capacity and spacing will be loosened across the board starting March 19. In addition, the state's social gathering limit will be raised to 15 people indoors or 50 people outdoors.
Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor called the changes "very significant," saying he and other state leaders hoped this helps businesses that continue to struggle during the pandemic.
Two smaller changes went into effect Friday, both concerning restaurants. The first allows restaurants to lower their table spacing from eight feet to six feet. The second extends the curfew on bar areas serving food to midnight, as long as the customer orders before 11 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Newportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The changes that take effect March 19 are outlined below.
| Category | Current restrictions | New restrictions starting March 19 |
| Indoor dining | 66 percent capacity, 6-foot spacing between tables | 75 percent capacity |
| Bar areas | 11 p.m. closure, midnight if food is ordered | same restrictions |
| Catered events | 50 percent capacity; up to 30 people indoors and 50 people outside | 75 percent capacity; up to 100 people inside and 200 people outside. Some dancing allowed. |
| Houses of worship | 40 percent capacity | 75 percent capacity; electronic services still recommended. |
| Retail stores | one person per 100 square feet, or one person per 150 square feet for big-box stores. New as of Friday: no limit on outdoor stores | One person per 50 square feet, or one person per 100 square feet for big-box stores. No outdoor limit. |
| Gyms and sports facilities | One person per 100 square feet inside, no outdoor limit. | One person per 50 square feet, no outdoor limit. |
| Personal Services (Salons, etc) | One person per 100 square feet, 6-foot spacing. | One person per 50 square feet, 6-foot spacing. |
| Venues of assembly (Theaters, cinemas, etc.) | 40 percent capacity, 125 people max. | 50 percent capacity, up to 250 people inside and 500 people outside. |
| Funeral homes | 30 people inside, 50 people outside. | 50 percent capacity. |
| Offices | Up to 33 percent capacity, remote work preferred. | Up to 50 percent capacity, remote work preferred. |
| Social gatherings | Up to two households inside or three households outside. | Up to 15 people inside or 50 people outside. |
| Schools, child care facilities | Open | Open |
Find out what's happening in Newportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Rhode Island Hospitality Association praised the announcement, saying the industry "now sees light at the end of the tunnel."
"[We are] grateful to Governor McKee for his decisive leadership, and for his administration and Commerce RI for outlining a long-term plan which balances the restoration of our industry with sensible concern for public safety," said Dale Venturini, the organization's president and CEO.
In order to allow for continued reopening, it's more important than ever for residents to strictly follow safety regulations going forward, state leaders said, particularly mask-wearing, handwashing and social distancing.
"We are urging Rhode Islanders to adhere to the remaining protocols," Pryor said. "Most importantly, masking and distancing."
Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, reminded residents that masks need to be high quality and well-fitting. Surgical paper masks, KN95s and fabric masks made of at least two layers of tightly-knit fabric all offer good protection. The masks should be tight, but comfortable on the face, and cover the nose, mouth and chin without any gaps.
To make sure the spread of the virus remains under control in the state, Alexander-Scott encouraged Rhode Islanders to get tested weekly.
"We are not out of the woods yet," Alexander-Scott said, adding that she and other state leaders are hopeful for a better summer in Rhode Island than last year.
Read more:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.