Raimondo: RI Needs A 'Slow And Steady' Reopen

PROVIDENCE, RI — While Rhode Island's stay-at-home order will lift Saturday and nonessential businesses will begin to reopen, Gov. Gina Raimondo reminded residents Friday to use their best judgement and avoid any crowds over the weekend. Social limits of five people or fewer will remain in place for much of the month and there will be strict limits on in-person shopping.

"If you look at the facts on the ground we are doing a little better [than neighboring states]," Raimondo said. "Let's focus on getting back to work in a slow-and-steady fashion."

Phase one of reopening, which is is expected to last for about 14 days, is focused on allowing Rhode Islanders to get back to work as businesses start to slowly reopen.

Patience and flexibility were the governor's main requests of residents, saying that things will be different for a long time.

"We are going to be living with the virus for a while. Just because we're reopening the economy and society doesn't mean the virus isn't still here," Raimondo said. "This is not the weekend, or time, in the next couple of weeks to have a cookout, or barbecue, or big family gathering."

Raimondo also reminded Rhode Islanders that fabric face coverings are now required in all public spaces, indoor and outdoor. In addition, businesses that want to reopen during phase one will need to meet strict guidelines outlined on the Reopening RI website. While both businesses and individuals can be fined for noncompliance, the governor said the state is relying on everyone following the rules in good faith.

"We want to encourage, enable and support voluntary compliance. That's the name of the game," Raimondo said. "We need, expect and will enforce compliance."

On Friday, Raimondo will sign an executive order giving the Rhode Island Department of Health the ability to enforce the regulations on businesses. Business task forces will conduct random inspections, with penalties ranging from graduated fines to the ability to shut down violators.

"We are not going to be out there trying to shut you down," Raimondo said. "We are going to be out there bending over backwards to allow you to stay open."

Patch editor Scott Souza contributed to this report.

Reopening RI: Read more

• Reopening Rhode Island: Stay-At-Home Order Ends May 9
• Reopening RI: Regulations Announced For Phase 1 Businesses
  
• Executive Order To Require Face Coverings In Rhode Island
  
• Raimondo: Malls To Remain Closed During Phase 1 Of RI Reopen