UPDATED: Raimondo Unveils "Reopening RI" Plan Details

UPDATED: Raimondo Unveils "Reopening RI" Plan Details

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced on Monday more details about her plan to reopen the state's economy.

The plan, called "Reopening RI" - involves three phases that Raimondo says she hopes she can start on May 9 -- starting with lifting the stay at home order currently in place. 

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SLIDES: See "Reopen RI" Plan BELOW

"Our cases are remaining steady," said Raimondo on Monday, noting an "uptick in hospitalizations and ICU occupancy."

"Overall it’s a very stable picture — we’re experiencing a trend in that we’re at a plateau," Raimondo added. 

READ: RI Coronavirus Cases Drop to 269 Over Past Day, 7 New Fatalities: Watch 1 PM Briefing

At Monday's State House briefing, Raimondo spoke to how she is thinking about reopening the economy, and "the phases you might be able to expect in the weeks and months."

"We’re going to have to be slow [and] methodical, but I have confidence we’re going to get you back to work as quickly and as safely as possible," said Raimondo.  "My goal is in two weeks to stand here and tell you I’m lifting the stay at home order, so on May 9, I can say I’ve lifted the order. That is not guaranteed."

"We’re in better shape because we never closed manufacturing — construction and manufacturing have continued safely," said Raimondo.  "Our testing capacity is in a good place, contact tracing is getting better every day. And our safety net is our field hospitals. I would feel confident that I could be treated there."

But, the Federal Reserve says Rhode Island has the highest insurance (UI) claims as a share of the labor force.

"I need you to have confidence that I won’t reopen until I’m sure we’re ready," said Raimondo who said the focus is on "planning, flexibility, and adaptability."

"Our goal is to land at a new destination," said Raimondo. 

MORE BELOW GRAPHIC

Phased-In Approach

"We’re going to be doing a dance for the next 12 months," said Raimondo.

During the first phase, Raimondo said there will be an incremental loosening of restrictions. 

"During this stage, we will be [increasing] the limit on gathering size from 5 to 10 people. Office-based businesses will have to emphasize continuing to work from home," said Raimondo. "At first, the number of childcare slots that will reopen will be very limited. "

"Retail stores will be able to add in-store pick-up.  Restaurants — you’re still going to rely on takeout and delivery," she said. "Towards the end of phase one, we might pilot options including outdoor dining…and pilot options for hairdressers and barbers — that’s a maybe."

"This is a tiny increase in our flexibility," she emphasized. 

"Phase 2 we call 'navigating our way,' [and it's] all about new models for businesses," said Raimondo. "You’ll be able to go out to eat at more restaurants — it will still be different. When you go to the restaurant, there may or may not be menus. You may see half of the chairs in the restaurants removed."

Raimondo noted during phase two that the state would allow for an increase from gatherings from 10 to 15 people. 

"[The] third phase is as many as 50 people," said Raimondo. "Places that rely on big crowds -- conventions, sports gatherings, music events -- will be the very last phase. We’ll get there when we get there."

"There will be a phase 4 to allow us to do some of the bigger congregating and be more relaxed as it pertains to seniors," she said.

And how does the state go from phase one to phase two?

"To go from phase 1 to 2 we need to see a 14-day downward trend in cases or a stable trend in hospitalizations," said Raimondo.