Rhode Island’s Covid-19 Business Curfew to End

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Some Covid-19 restrictions on businesses are being modified as cases in Rhode Island continue to decline.

The announcement came Thursday during the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) weekly briefing.  RIDOH Director, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, said “two weeks ago we announced updated guidance for youth and adult sports and this week we are announcing that starting Sunday we will lift the early closure advisory.”

This means that the state’s nighttime business curfew will be lifted, allowing restaurants to stay opened.

The weekly percent positivity rate has dropped to 4.1%.  “This is a tribute to all of you and I want to thank you for following the rules and heeding the guidance to keep these trends going in the right direction,” Dr. Alexander-Scott said.

Rhode Islanders are still be asked to follow all other restrictions, as it’s only the curfew that’s being lifted.

Dr. Alexander-Scott urged the continuation of mask wearing and social distancing. “We hope that this will provide business owners with some flexibility and relief, but we need Rhode Islanders to continue following the rules. If you’re out late, don’t let your guard down,” she said.