McKee Announces Rollback of More Coronavirus Restrictions, Dr. Fine Warns It Is Too Early

McKee Announces Rollback of More Coronavirus Restrictions, Dr. Fine Warns It Is Too Early

On Friday, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced a series of restriction rollbacks — these are the second round of regulatory pullbacks instituted by the new governor in his first couple of weeks in office.

Former Rhode Island Director of Health Dr. Michael Fine warns the easing of restrictions may cause more spread and then jeopardize a summer recovery.

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Under McKee’s new directive, restaurants can reduce the space between tables from 8 feet to 6 feet and those sitting at bars who have ordered food can stay until midnight.

In addition, the capacity limit for outdoor shopping was also eliminated.

Next Friday, March 19, restaurants and houses of worship can operate at 75% capacity.

Larger social gatherings will also be permitted, with up to 15 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.

And. retail stores, fitness centers, and personal services like hair salons and nail salons can operate with one person for every 50 square feet of space indoors.

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Fine Urges Vigilance to Avoid Ruining Summer Season

“I can't tell yet whether we're moving fast enough [in vaccinations to avoid an upswing incaseses]," said Fine. "I think we're going to slow up for a bit because we have only 104 000 people who have had two shots which means there are 150,000 Rhode Islanders still to get a second shot -- that's going to take a lot of work and the first shots are what matters."

Fine warns that by easing restrictions too early, the state could be “tempting fate.”

He says a significant increase in cases in April and May would jeopardize Rhode Island's summer tourism season and an economic recovery.

“We need to stay careful and we need to keep our eyes on the prize which is getting rid of this virus so we can get back to normal,” said Fine.