PROVIDENCE – A 30-day mandate for indoor masking or proof of vaccination at venues throughout Rhode Island will continue for another month, according to a new executive order signed this week.
Gov. Daniel J. McKee extended the mandate, which he originally put in place through an executive order signed in mid-December, to now last through Feb. 14.
“This order shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect,” McKee said in the new executive order, which he signed on Jan. 18.
The policy forces businesses and other indoor venues with a capacity of 250 people or more to require indoor masking, while those with a smaller capacity are required to make sure guests and employees either wear a mask or show proof of vaccination.
Violators of the policy could potentially face a $500 civil penalty, according to emergency regulations approved by the governor. The mandate is being enforced by the R.I. Department of Health, with assistance from the R.I. Department of Business Regulation, through a task force that’s empowered to respond to reports of violations and to conduct spot checks.
McKee stated during a press conference held on Jan. 12 that he intended on extending the mandate.
While the masking and proof of vaccination policy is now in place through mid-February, McKee cannot reextend it another time after that unless it’s approved by state legislators or through a new declaration of a state of emergency imposed by the governor. During his Jan. 12 press conference, McKee said both options are on the table.
Marc Larocque is a PBN staff writer. Contact him at Larocque@PBN.com. You may also follow him on Twitter @LaRockPBN.
