400+ Calls Made To Social Distancing Violation Tip Line

PROVIDENCE, RI — Since the creation of the Rhode Island State Police's social gathering violation tip line a week ago, the department received more than 400 reports of gatherings exceeding the current limit, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Wednesday.

The tip line was created in response to an uptick in coronavirus cases in the state, blamed on informal social gatherings. Backyard barbecues, baby showers, large gatherings in restaurants and other informal gatherings usually don't have adequate social distancing or mask-wearing, and frequently have more than the current limit of 15 people or fewer.

Of the more than 400 calls in the first few days the line was operational, 76 were investigated, and four violations were addressed, including house parties and a block party with more than 40 people. No fines were issued because the gatherings all broke quickly and without incident, Raimondo said. Any repeat violations or groups who refuse to disperse will be fined $500 per person.

Gov. Gina Raimondo said she knows the tip line is not the perfect solution to the issue of transmission at gatherings, but something needed to be done to crack down on violators.

"We're serious about this," Raimondo said. "We're at a real tipping point right now. ... I know it's summer. I know it's hot. I know it's a drag to wear a mask when it's hot out. We need to do it."