Rhode Island eases restrictions on some businesses
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – It was announced at Thursday’s COVID-19 briefing led by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) that restrictions would be loosened for some businesses in the state.
The change is due to coronavirus numbers slowly declining, and our percent positivity rate being at a manageable spot compared to previous months.
“If the data indicates that it’s OK to ease some restrictions in some areas, even if it’s just for a temporary period of time because of our concern about the variants in the future, it’s something we believe in being able to do because we know the hardships that exist,” said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott.
Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor announced that effective Friday, February 4, restaurant capacity will remain the same, but guests can dine indoors with up to two households. Outdoors, people can dine with up to three households.
When it comes to catered events, the cap has been increased from 15 people to 30 indoors. For outdoor events, the limit is 50 people with required testing.
For gyms and fitness centers, people won’t have to space out so much inside. Pryor said he has heard from many owners of fitness centers that said the prior restrictions made it impossible to run a business.
“We’ve been requiring 14 people distance between clients, between the individuals in the given gym and fitness center. We’re now going to reduce that spacing requirement to 6 feet from 14,” Pryor said.
Offices are now allowed to allow 33% of their workforce indoors but are still encouraged to have employees work from home if possible.
Bar areas remain closed, but Pryor said he’s in constant contact with restaurant and bar owners and said there will be more to come on that front. He said current public health data shows that bar areas are not safe to reopen right now.
However, these restrictions may be temporary, Dr. Alexander-Scott said. She sounded the alarm on the new coronavirus variants that have popped up worldwide.
“What concerns us right now are the new strains of COVID-19 that are circulating in the world, in the United States, and in our region and in neighboring states, also likely here in Rhode Island as well.”
While RIDOH has not yet identified any cases of new strains here in the Ocean State, Dr. Alexander-Scott said it’s inevitable. That’s why the state may have to reverse restrictions in the future.
“Because of the new strains, while we might make some improvements in terms of restrictions, they may have to be temporary because we are moving in the direction in the future of dealing with the new strains that may be coming and it may require additional restrictions.”
But, for now, the state wanted to provide a bit of relief to business owners while they can.
“We do want to take advantage of this small window to be able to see what type of restrictions we can ease to support our business community.”
Dr. Alexander-Scott said due to the new coronavirus varients, Rhode Islanders should be wearing high-quality masks and be aware of proper ventilation in indoor settings.
“We’re asking people to minimize how long they stay in any public indoor place. Unless you work there or live there, you should avoid being indoors somewhere, particularly where there is poor ventilation, for any longer than one hour.”
She said RIDOH will be providing more information on both high-quality masks and ventilation.
© WLNE-TV 2021
