PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island’s first phase of economic reopening will see some noncritical retail stores back in business, and outdoor dining at some restaurants.
Some employees who have been working from home will also get the go-ahead to return if necessary, but all those who are able to continue to work at home should do so, Gov. Gina M. Raimonda said Monday during her daily press briefing.
The governor continued to sound optimistic about allowing her stay-at-home order to expire after it runs out on May 8 but cautioned again that the first phase of reopening, expected to last about 14 days, won’t mean a return to normal life.
Slightly relaxed restrictions will be “slow and steady,” requiring “patience and flexibility,” Raimondo said.
Health officials on Monday reported 21 new deaths related to COVID-19 in Rhode Island and another 175 positive cases, bringing the latter total to 9,652.
The state has reported a total of 341 fatalities due to the new coronavirus, in people ranging in age from their 40s to 90s.
Current hospitalizations due to the disease total 339, an increase from 331 one day prior. Of those hospitalized, 84 are in the intensive care unit and 61 are on ventilators.
Although visitors will not be allowed to return to nursing homes, hospitals or assisted-living centers during phase one, Raimondo said she is focusing on allowing medical practices such as dentists, primary care centers and specialists to open back up.
“Anyone who has deferred health care needs, [who needs] immunizations, a well visit, a specialty care visit; we want you to start setting up appointments,” the governor said.
Allowing hospitals to once again perform elective surgeries is another priority.
All businesses that resume operation during the initial reopening phase must adhere to strict limitations.
For retailers, that means allowing one customer per 300 square feet of space and requiring employees to wear masks.
Restaurants may serve diners in outdoor settings only, with masked employees and forgoing frequently touched items such as traditional menus.
Employers in office settings should begin to create staggered work schedules for workers in order to limit contact, and conduct regular health screenings for employees, Raimondo said. Social distancing in offices, and the closure of common areas, are among other workplace restrictions.
Officials are still determining which limitations to enforce, and which to offer as guidance, the governor said.
To date, hospitals in Rhode Island have discharged 601 patients who’d been seriously ill with COVID-19.
A total of 2,209 tests were conducted Sunday, bringing the state total to 74,136.
Health officials have begun working with four Stop & Shop locations across the state, where employees will be offered the chance to be tested for COVID-19 using both a swab test and an antibody test, R.I. Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott said Monday.
Such testing is part of the state’s effort to determine where and how the virus spreads through communities.
The following municipalities had the most positive tests:
- Providence: 3,096
- Pawtucket: 946
- Cranston: 454
- Central Falls: 503
- North Providence: 496
This story has been updated to include information from Gov. Gina M. Raimondo and R.I. Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott.
