Restaurants, places of worship say upcoming holiday weekend with no restrictions a ‘breath of fresh air’

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) — With reservations full and barely a seat at the bar Friday afternoon, the city of Providence is getting ready for the first spring holiday weekend since the start of the pandemic where most restrictions are fully lifted.

“It’s a breath of fresh air,” said Sean Hennessy, general manager at Oyster Bar. “All the staff are so excited to have the restrictions lifted and to be able to be themselves again.”

Shoppers on Federal Hill echoed a similar sentiment, grateful things seem to be returning to “normal” for the first Easter & Ramadan weekend since Gov. McKee announced the state of Rhode Island is moving towards an “end-emic.”

“Everyone had their own feelings toward things and comfortability with their family as well which everyone respects, but now it’s finally getting back out there,” said Alanna Anderson, shopping with her son on Federal Hill Friday afternoon. “This day really proves that it’s coming back and people will get back out there and be together like they should be.”

For those seeking worship on Sunday, the popular Sunday service at Congdon Street Baptist Church said although they see a mix of comfort levels coming through their doors, they remain open to all and are taking measures to make sure everyone is comfortable.

“We know that people have had a really hard time, we know they’ve been struggling, and we know that this is kind of like the deep breath moment,” said Allyson Cobbins of the Congdon Street Baptist Church, who said time-honored traditions like the annual Easter Egg Hunt will resume as normal. “We are trying to make it as easy and as comfortable for everyone to come out.”