RI To Reduce Parking Capacity At 2 State Beaches To Reduce Crowds

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Following several weekends of unmasked, large groups crowding in Rhode Island state beaches, Gov. Gina Raimondo is taking action. Starting Thursday, parking at two of the most crowded beaches will be reduced to 25 percent.

Misquamicut and Scarborough state beaches have been the worst offenders, Raimondo said, with families coming in large groups and a lack of masks and social distancing in communal areas such as concessions and restrooms. In an effort to reduce crowds and, hopefully, the spread of COVID-19, parking capacity at these beaches will be reduced. All other state beaches and parks will remain at their current levels.

"I am sorry we have to do this, but it is necessary," Raimondo said. "It got out of control this weekend, and we weren't able to control it."

The governor said the Department of Environmental Management and local police will be stepping up enforcement, ticketing those who park illegally on nearby streets and potentially fining people who refuse to wear a mask or disperse from large groups on beaches.

The governor again warned Rhode Islanders to remain vigilant and avoid getting complacent just because coronavirus cases are on the decline and the weather is nice.

"Guys, we're not through it. We're not even halfway through it. We're a year away from a vaccine. We are not even close to halfway through it," Raimondo said. "You go up faster than you come down. Let's learn from our fellow states."

Rhode Island has seen a slight uptick in cases over the past few days, reporting triple-digit case numbers Monday and Tuesday, for the first time in weeks. Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said social gatherings such as those seen on beaches likely contributed to the increase.

"We are not even halfway through this fight," she continued. "Let's do the right thing. Let's follow the rules."