Coronavirus In RI: Age Restrictions Could Be Part Of New Normal

PROVIDENCE, RI — Even as Rhode Island begins the slow process of reopening the economy once the state's stay-at-home order is lifted, older residents will still face stricter restrictions, Gov. Gina Raimondo said Wednesday.

Because they are more at risk during the coronavirus pandemic, Rhode Islanders age 60 and up will be required to stay home more often and longer than their younger counterparts, she said.

"I want some of the people in that older age group to come to terms now that your re-entry is going to be a bit slower, different and designed to keep you healthy," Raimondo said. "I don't know precisely what the age restrictions are going to be in different age brackets …. I just want everyone to be thinking upon these lines and be prepared for a week from now when we start to get into more details [and] you've had time to think about it."

Employers will have to make extra accommodations for older employees, the governor said.

"Many of them will have to go to work, but just under a different set of conditions," she said. "Maybe that means additional sick leave. Maybe that means additional social distancing. Maybe that will be additional testing …. They will be encouraged to work from home whenever possible."

Ever since the discussion of reopening the state's economy began, Raimondo has been adamant that it "will not be a flip of a switch." That means it will be a slow, phased approach, with certain industries allowed to reopen before others, and with strict regulations in place.

"We are going to be living with new conditions for a long time," she continued. "But if we don't follow the rules, we will be right back to where we were a few weeks ago, and we don't want that. I want to keep talking about this because I want people to internalize what it's going to be like for the next six, nine, 12 months until we have a vaccine."

Specific guidelines for businesses have not been announced, and more information is expected early next week.

In honor of Earth Day, Raimondo said she asked Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit to develop a plan to reopen the state's parks and beaches in phases. While these public areas remain closed for the time being, the plan will help the state move toward a gradual reopening.

"Today I am announcing an effort to open our parks and beaches as part of the first phase in opening our restrictions," she said. "I hope to be able to announce that plan to you in about a week. ... It is my hope that we will be able to enjoy our parks and beaches, in some fashion, at the beginning of May."

Also in honor of Earth Day, the governor reminded Rhode Islanders not to litter, especially personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves. Since the beginning of the crisis, she said, littering has increased across the state, which is both unsanitary and bad for the environment.

As the state inches toward the point of reopening, testing efforts continue to ramp up, Raimondo said, part of the strategy to quickly identify and isolate cases. An increase is very likely once people are no longer at home all the time, she said, and the state must be ready to avoid a massive surge.

"We're going to roll out new rules. They are going to be new rules designed to keep people safe and healthy," she said. "The brutal reality is that when we start to reopen the economy, you are going to see a lot more cases. The other brutal reality is that the older you are, the worse it is."

Walk-up clinics have been opened in Providence and at Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket to provide access to those who are unable to drive to a site. The Providence site is currently testing about 50 people per day, Raimondo said, and that is expected to double by next week. As with other testing sites, appointments are required. To request an appointment at the Memorial Hospital site, call 401-CARENOW, Raimondo said.

Those who are unsure if they need a test can get guidance using a new online symptom self-check tool. Residents can enter their symptom information, age and other factors to receive guidance. While this does not replace speaking with a health care provider, it offers guidance based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Patch Editor Scott Souza contributed to this report.

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