Rhode Island Stepping Up Enforcement Of Coronavirus Regulations

PROVIDENCE, RI — After weeks of a laissez-faire approach to reopening enforcement, Rhode Island's Department of Business Regulation is stepping up enforcement for businesses that break coronavirus-related rules. Warnings, fines and even temporary closures are on the table, Gov. Gina Raimondo said, to prevent a small percentage of businesses from forcing another widespread closure.

"We don't want to shut you down. We want you to be open and making money," Raimondo said. "There are those of you are out there and you're not even trying."

Over the weekend, inspectors visited hundreds of businesses, in particular restaurants, Raimondo said. Most were fully in compliance she said, though restaurants need to get better about collecting customers' names and phone numbers in case of an outbreak of coronavirus.

"Overall the vast number of employees and customers were doing the right thing. That should give you confidence if you are a Rhode Islander," Raimondo said. "We need to do better [about collecting contact information]. It's a simple thing to do. .... It needs to happen every time. Not 80 percent of the time, 100 percent of the time."

Since businesses have had weeks to get their openings plans and safety measures in place, Raimondo said inspectors will start taking violations more seriously. Those who blatantly disregard regulations, such as allowing crowds at bars or no efforts to social distance patrons will receive an order of compliance or fine on their first violation. On the second violation, the business will face a fine or will be ordered to close until the issues are addressed.

Smaller violations, such as occasional lapses in mask-wearing or a lack of signage will result in a warning on the first violation, followed by a compliance order or a fine.

While the rules may see strict or unfair, the governor said Rhode Islanders need only look at other states, many of which are seeing all-time high case numbers or hospitalizations, to understand their importance.

"Remember this — at the blink of an eye we could be back where we were a couple of months ago — struggling and seeing our numbers surge up the line," Raimondo said. "Our destiny is in our hands."