7 Major Coronavirus Developments — The Complete Guide to PHASE II — May 23
GoLocalProv News Team
7 Major Coronavirus Developments — The Complete Guide to PHASE II — May 23
"Based on everything I know today, we’re on track for phase two. It is my intention to move to phase 2 on June 1....assuming we stay on this path," said Raimondo.
"Phase one rules apply until June 1. I’m taking a risk here by announcing phase 2 guidelines," said Raimondo. "For this weekend and until June 1, social gatherings are limited at 5, travel restrictions apply — let’s stay hunkered down another week."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSLIDES: See 7 Major Coronavirus Developments -- Complete Guide to Phase II -- BELOW
Former Rhode Island Health Director Dr. Michael Fine warns that any letdown in best practices will drive new infections in Rhode Island. Fine who appears daily on GoLocal LIVE stressed the need for proper social distancing and the critical need for Rhode Islanders to continue to wear masks.
He said that the number of new cases has decreased in Rhode Island, but cases can grow quickly and he said the number of new cases in some states and across the globe is disturbing. New cases globally continue to grow day over day.
7 Major Coronavirus Developments — The Complete Guide to PHASE II — May 23, 2020
Size of Gatherings
The social gathering size will expand from 5 people to 15 people starting June 1.
Governor Gina Raimondo continues to stress that people should gather with the same 15 people, not new groups of 15 every day.
Travel
Domestic restrictions will be lifted with few restrictions.
The 14-day quarantine will only be in place for people returning to Rhode Island from an area still under stay-at-home order or another similar type of restriction.
No international travel visitors can come to, or return to Rhode Island without a 14-day quarentine.
Restaurants and Retail
Indoor dining will be allowed at up to 50% capacity. Outdoor sitting restrictions are still in place.
"In phase two, we’ll allow indoor dining for up to 50% capacity," said Raimondo. "Going out to eat is going to feel different, no doubt about it. There can’t be a line at the hostess station, or at the bathroom — but we’re going to get out there again."
Capacity restrictions for non-critical retail will be relaxed and malls will be allowed to reopen.
Offices
The state is urging that those who can work from home should continue to do so.
Businesses will be allowed to bring one-third of their workforce back to the office.
Haircare and Personal Services:
Finally, the state of Rhode Island will allow hair services including barbershops, salons, and hair braiders will to reopen with capacity, health, and cleaning restrictions.
"Hairdressers. Beginning in phase 2 we’re bringing back most personal services, with new cleaning regiments," said Raimondo, who said it includes hair, nails, tanning, tattoos parlors, and more.
"It is going to be different. You’ll have to make an appointment. You’ll have to wear a mask," said Raimondo. "We can get a haircut. We can get a massage."
In addition, many other close-contact services – nail care, waxing, tanning, massage, and tattooing – will also be able to reopen under new restrictions.
Gyms and Fitness Studios
Gyms and fitness studios will be able to reopen with restrictions.
Group fitness classes will also be allowed to resume.
Outdoor Entertainment and Recreation
Some outdoor activities will be allowed to resume.
This includes things like the zoo and outdoor areas like public gardens and parts of historical sites.
Numbers
13,736 Cases in Rhode Island
90,889 Cases in Massachusetts
13,736 Deaths in RI
6,228 Deaths in Massachusetts
1,635,836 Cases in the United States
96,370 Deaths in the United States
5,327,460 Global Cases
340,411 Global Deaths
2,175,054 Global Recoveries
