Reopening RI: Regulations Announced For Phase 1 Businesses

PROVIDENCE, RI — The night before the expected decision if Rhode Island will begin to slowly reopen after May 8, Gov. Gina Raimondo's office and the Department of Health released a list of guidelines for nonessential retailers and other businesses that would be allowed to open their doors during Phase One of the multi-step plan. The guidelines include requirements for cleaning and social distancing, as well as require businesses to complete a checklist showing that all requirements have been met.

Raimondo is expected to make the formal announcement about reopening during Thursday's daily news update at 1 p.m.

All businesses, even those that are still open, are asked to create a COVID-19 Control Plan, which outlines what specific measures will be taken to prevent the spread of the virus. Plans are due by May 18, or if the business is opening later, at that time. Non-essential businesses that wish to reopen during the first phase can do so once the order is lifted, and will need to sign the reopening checklist.

The checklist requires that retailers meet the following requirements.

1. Clean the facility daily and frequently disinfect high-touch areas.
2. Have social distance measures in place and require that all employees wear fabric face coverings.
3. Screen everyone who enters for COVID-19 symptoms. At a minimum, a sign must be posted showing self-screening requirements.
4. Submit a COVID-19 response plan.

During Phase 1, stores are encouraged to continue focusing on online orders and curbside pickup. Some in-person browsing will be allowed, with restrictions. These include:

• Limiting capacity to one person per 300 square feet of floor area. Stores with less than this amount of space can only allow one shopper in at a time.
• Encouraging social distancing by creating 6-foot markers on the floor in checkout areas. Stores are encouraged to install clear barriers between customers and cashiers.
• Encourage contactless payment methods.
• Close dressing rooms and do not offer samples.

General business guidelines have been posted on the Reopening RI website.

Indoor malls will remain closed during Phase One. "Anchor" stores that have their own exterior, independent entrance are excepted and can reopen under the new guidelines. For this reason, outdoor shopping centers such as Garden City will be allowed to reopen, as well, since all stores have their own doors to the outside.

Starting Friday, all Rhode Islanders will be required to wear a fabric face covering when out in public. This measure is needed to help reduce the spread of the virus as the economy begins to slowly reopen, Raimondo said.

Correction: This article previously stated that nonessential businesses could begin to reopen on May 11, due to a misstatement on the Reopening RI website.

Coronavirus in Rhode Island: Read more

• RI Sets Goal Of 10k Coronavirus Tests Per Day By July
  
• Executive Order To Require Face Coverings In Rhode Island
  
• Raimondo: Malls To Remain Closed During Phase 1 Of RI Reopen
• Phase 1 Reopening: What To Expect At RI's Stores, Restaurants
  
• CCRI Outlines Plans For Virtual Commencement, Return To Campus