RI’s Reopening Phase 2 starts Monday so here’s a list of what will open

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – Gov. Gina Raimondo officially announced Friday that Phase 2 in Reopening Rhode Island’s economy will begin on Monday.

Raimondo said she feels confident with Phase 2 starting on Monday after all four indicators that she used to guide her decision have been met.

So with Phase 2 officially starting on Monday here’s a list of which types of businesses will open and the rules you’ll have to follow:

Haircare & Personal Services

Credit: Reopeningri.com

What you need to know:

• Barbershops, salons, braiders, nail care, waxing, tanning, massage, and tattoo services can reopen in Phase 2
  • Physical distancing indicators should be clearly marked on the floor, six feet apart
  • If the haircare or Personal Service establishment isn’t ready to service you they will ask you to remain outside of the building or in your car
  • These establishments will operate by appointment only 
  • Hair professionals must wear a new or thoroughly disinfect smock for each service
  • Hair professionals and customers must each wear a face covering for the duration of the service.
  • Establishments will ensure a minimum of 6 feet between stations and/or install a plastic non-porous barrier between stations
  • Establishment will for outdoor airflow
  • Establishments must provide supplies such as hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for customer use
  • Establishments will minimize the number of guests in the building and may consider removing furniture from the waiting area.

Gyms, fitness studios, and small group fitness

Credit: Reopeningri.com

What you need to know:

• Locker rooms, close communal areas, and showers will be closed
• Fitness centers will provide hand sanitizer before and after workout sessions
• Members are encouraged to build cohorts that remain consistent in class settings
• Fitness centers will allow for outdoor airflow by opening windows or doors to fresh air
• Employees will thoroughly sanitize equipment between users
• Fitness centers will establish 6-foot social distancing between the equipment and walkable pathways.
• Masks must be worn if you are within 6-feet of someone else
• Gyms will be encouraged to host activity outdoors

Indoor Dining

What you need to know:

• Outdoor dining is already allowed but starting Monday restaurants will be allowed to open their indoor dining rooms and serve up to 50% capacity
• RIDOH says guests should especially wear masks when not seated at their table
• Parties will be limited to 15 people or fewer
• Seating will be by reservation only
• Restaurants will have to establish 8 foot of spacing between tables’ edges in accordance with guidelines
• Restaurants will have to provide hand sanitizer with over 80% alcohol
• Menus should be disposable or have the ability to be sanitized after each use
• Bar seating is allowed with restrictions

State Beaches

Credit: Reopeningri.com

What you need to know:

• Starting June 1 all-state beaches will be allowed to open with restrictions
• Practice social distancing; stay at least 6 feet from others even in the water (unless you live in the same house)
• Do not wear a face covering while swimming or playing in the waters
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • TIP: Bring hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol in case soap and water are not available
• Listen for loudspeaker announcements that provide updates and important safety reminders
• Check with individual beaches to see if concession stands and bathrooms are open
• Cashless payment options to pay for entry are encouraged
• Parking and attendance will be limited to prevent overcrowding
• If available, pre-order food online or by phone from concession stands

Houses of Worship

• Houses of worship will be allowed to reopen to in-person worship up to 25% capacity with restrictions
• Houses of worship will have to suspend choir or musical ensembles; individuals singing must be at least 14 feet apart from others
• Face coverings are required
• It’s recommended that attendees be required to sanitize their hands upon entry inside
• The social distancing of at least 6 feet must be practiced unless you are within the same household

Other notable reopenings starting June 1

• Non-critical retailers can further relax restrictions to allow for more customers in their stores. Malls can reopen with restrictions.
• Outdoor entertainment and recreation activities (ex: Zoos and historical sites) are allowed to resume on a limited basis
• Child care services can resume on June 1. Summer camps and small group youth sports practice to resume June 29 with restriction.
• All state parks will be allowed to reopen (if they aren’t already) with capacity limitations and social distancing restrictions
• Domestic travel restrictions will be relaxed.
• Social gatherings limited to 15 people
• Office-based businesses can allow up to 33% of their workforce to return, if viewed as necessary. Everyone who can work from home should continue working from home

Source: Reopeningri.com

FRIDAY COVID-19 UPDATE:

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) reported 122 new positive COVID-19 cases Friday and 16 deaths. There were 3,226 COVID-19 tests recorded on Thursday.

The state’s death toll nears 700 as it now stands at 693, according to RIDOH data.

Rhode Island’s cumulative COVID-19 case total is now at 14,635.

There are 219 people in the hospital, 47 in the ICU,  and 33 are on Ventilators.