Raimondo Issues 7 New Coronavirus Restrictions

Raimondo Issues 7 New Coronavirus Restrictions

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo introduced seven new “targeted” interventions to address Rhode Island’s surging coronavirus numbers. 

Raimondo issued a stay-at-home advisory between 10 PM and 5 AM, early closures for restaurants and bars, limited capacity numbers for venues of assembly and catered events, and addressed capacity at big box stores and business travel. 

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On Thursday, Rhode Island reported its highest day of new cases with 566.

Raimondo said she will be addressing Thanksgiving restrictions at an upcoming press conference.

New Restrictions

“We have to take our medicine,” said Raimondo. "We can take it now — or take it later. If we change our behavior and rein in our social activity, the medicine won’t be that bad. If we try to outrun the virus, we’ll take the medicine later and it will be much stronger medicine.”

Raimondo provided a graphic showing the new restrictions — and spoke to how the state is going to work to assist those businesses in particular with the earlier closure times.

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Raimondo said that most of the orders are “advisory” - but if not adhered to, she will take stronger action. 

“It’s an advisory,” said Raimondo.  “I am strongly advising you — be home in your own house, not at a friend’s or a party. We’re not going to have a heavy-handed approach at this stage. But it’s a big wake up call.”

“I’m asking for voluntary compliance,” said Raimondo.

Raimondo said the earlier closure times are a result of people "letting their guard down" as the night goes on. 

"The later the night goes, the more you let your guard down," said Raimondo. "We have seen spread within parties, when masks are off."

Aid for Restaurants

Raimondo said that restaurants can still offer take-out after the closure time, and that the state will be offering new grants to assist with income loss. 

“If we take our medicine now we’ll be in a better place a month from now — and I hope I don’t have to do more aggressive regulations,” she said. 

The orders will take effect on Sunday

Restaurants and bars will receive grants of $2,000 to $10,000 according to Raimondo. 

“Businesses will have to self attest they were affected by early closure and expect to receive grant within 30 days,” she said.