For nearly three months, businesses that require patrons to come in close contact with others have been shuttered in Rhode Island. That’s set to change at the beginning of June.
Gyms, massage parlors, and barber shops are all part of phase two of the economic reopening plan Governor Gina Raimondo laid out Friday.
“Pretty much every sector is going to see some reopening.” she said during her daily briefing on the state response to COVID-19.
In addition, childcare centers, parks and beaches, and houses of worship will all be opening during phase two. Outdoor recreation areas, including public gardens, mini-golf courses, and the Roger Williams Zoo will also be reopening.
As with phase one, each sector will have new specific and restrictive guidelines, to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Those regulations are set to be released by the state next week, but Raimondo provided a preview Friday.
Offices will be able to send a third of employees back into buildings. Gyms and fitness centers will likely require reservations and maintain limited numbers in group classes. Restaurants will be allowed to begin serving customers indoors, at just 50 percent of typical capacity.
“This is going to be difficult, cost you money, hamper your business,” Raimondo said. “The second that we are able to release these additional burdens, we will.”
Even as the Governor pushes to get the state economy back on track, she said leaders in cities like Providence, Central Falls and Pawtucket remain wary about reopening too quickly.
“They’re nervous because their communities are still struggling, still have a lot of folks living in high dense situations,” Raimondo said. “People are still reluctant to get tests, and the present positive is still high.”
Across the state, 170 new cases were reported Friday, bringing the state’s total number of cases to 13,736. Twenty-three new COVID-related fatalities were also reported, bringing the death toll for COVID-associated deaths to 579.
Raimondo reminded residents that social gatherings are still limited to five people, and will be until June 1st. During phase two, the limit on gatherings will be upped to fifteen.
In response to news that President Donald Trump was calling on all churches to reopen this weekend, Raimondo doubled down on her decision to keep churches closed until next weekend.
“Honestly that would be reckless,” Raimondo said of reopening houses of worship early.
When churches do reopen next weekend, they will only be able to operate at 25 percent capacity.
