Here’s a look at how business can start to reopen next week
Hello friend,
GOVERNOR GINA RAIMONDO
As we get closer to starting to reopen Rhode Island, I want everyone to be prepared for what’s next. Phase 1 is testing the waters, and things won’t look or feel much different than they do now. Our lives aren’t going to change overnight. While we won’t be required to stay at home, we should still stay close to home as we slowly get back to work. Today I want to talk about some of the changes we’re going to see once the stay at home order is lifted.
Retail has been one of the industries hit hardest by this crisis, and too many Rhode Islanders have lost their jobs as stores needed to close and adapt to a new online reality. In phase 1, non-critical retail stores that have been closed will be allowed to reopen in-person operations under new capacity restrictions.
Rhode Island’s many incredible restaurants have also been especially hit hard. Getting back to some version of normal is going to be a slow process. It’s not going to happen at the beginning of phase 1, but we’re working to allow limited outdoor in-person seating options a bit further into our first phase.
Finally, I want to talk about working in offices. During phase 1, everyone who can work from home should continue to work from home. But our employers should begin taking steps immediately to prepare for eventually bringing more employees back into the office. That means doing things like developing staggered work schedules, preparing to screen employees to find out if they’re sick, closing common spaces like break rooms and making sure employees can be 6-feet apart. This also means we’re going to need more frequent cleaning. I know most of our employers are already thinking about these things, and I appreciate their partnership and collaboration throughout this process.
IN PHASE I: STAY CLOSE TO HOME
We’re focused on getting back to work –while protecting health and safety.The stay-at-home order lifts, but we should still aim to stay close to home. The goal is to limit our networks.
Everyone who can work from home should continue to work from home. Employees of office-based businesses who need to go to the office may do so on a very limited basis.
Elective medical procedures resume under safety guidelines.
All Rhode Islanders who have deferred healthcare needs, including immunizations, well visits, or specialty care, are encouraged to reach out to their primary care doctor. Many specialty providers such as orthopedists, neurologists, and cardiologists remain open for telehealth and needed care. Telehealth is covered and encouraged, including for mental health care.
Some parks open, and public parking is now available. Pick a convenient park for a walk or a run (and please limit your time).
Non-critical retailers that were previously closed reopen with capacity restrictions, though preorders are encouraged, and shoppers should limit browsing time.
Continue ordering delivery and take-out from restaurants. Options will begin to expand – hopefully including outdoor dining later in Phase I.
Nursing homes, assisted living and other congregate care facilities remain closed to visitors.
PHASE II: NAVIGATING OUR WAY
In the second phase, we can look forward to more businesses reopening and restrictions being further relaxed
Expanded childcare options will be available under strict public health guidelines. More restaurants, retail and close-contact businesses like hair and nail salons may open.
Additional recreational options will likely return including more parks and beaches, but restrictions remain. S
ocial gathering limits increase to 15 people. Older adults (65+) and those with underlying health conditions can go to work and go out for food or medicine. But in accordance with federal public health guidance, vulnerable individuals are still strongly encouraged to otherwise stay home.
Masks, vigilant hand washing and increased cleaning must remain in place.
Offices will ease capacity restrictions allowing more people to come in, but many people will still work from home. All activities must account for strong social distancing guidelines of remaining 6-feet apart.
PHASE III: PICKING UP SPEED
In the third phase, we’ll build on our learning from the first two phases
We can look forward to schools opening with restrictions and seeing more of our families and friends. Offices, restaurants, retail and other businesses will lift some of the tightest restrictions to allow more people in at one time but will need to operate under long-term safety guidelines.
Social gatherings are limited to 50 people.
Older adults (65+) and those with underlying health conditions are no longer strongly encouraged to stay home.
These individuals are reminded to exercise significant caution in public. Masks, vigilant hand-washing and increased cleaning must remain in place.
Working from home is still encouraged where possible but more people will return to the workplace.
All activities must account for strong social distancing guidelines of remaining 6-feet apart.
BEYOND PHASE III
There is more to look forward to on the other side of the third phase.
Gathering and working restrictions will further relax. Additional businesses will open, and more group activities will be allowed. Along the way, we’ll innovate as we challenge ourselves to find new and better ways of operating and living
I’ve never been prouder to be a Rhode Islander. The ways in which our community has come together to lift one another up during this crisis, and the seriousness with which we’ve taken our obligation to stay home, has been an inspiration to me and to so many people, and it’s saved countless lives. Because of all of you, I’m cautiously optimistic that we might be able to lift our stay-at-home order at the end of this week. Keep it up. I know we can do this.
-Gina Raimondo
Governor
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