Reopening RI: Phase 2 Expected To Start June 1

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's salons, gyms, beaches and other businesses are expected to be allowed to reopen in the coming weeks. On Friday, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced that she expects to enter phase 2 of reopening starting June 1.

"Based on everything I know today we are on track," Raimondo said. "If those trends continue it is my intention to move to phase two on June 1."

The second phase will be a "big reopening," the governor said, marking the return of in-person dining at restaurants, close-contact personal services, group fitness classes and more.

"Most sectors of our economy are going to see some type of reopening, and we are finally going to get to do some of the things we've missed," Raimondo continued.

Social groups will be expanded to 15 people from the current five, though Rhode Islanders are encouraged to stick to the same group of 15 people or fewer throughout the week to help keep the spread of the virus under control.

"It's time. It's time to be with our families, our colleagues, in groups of 15 or fewer," Raimondo said. "Keep your groups consistent and small."

The governor reminded residents that these new rules will not go into effect until June 1 at the earliest, and everyone needs to do their part and follow the current regulations over the holiday weekend. That means no gatherings of five people or more, no leaving the state without quarantining for 14 days and outdoor dining at restaurants only. All current phase one regulations, which are set to expire Friday, have been extended to June 1, Raimondo said.

"Most sectors of our economy are going to see some type of reopening and we are finally going to get to do some of the things we've missed," Raimondo said. "That is a big change. ... So, basically, I trust you. I am leading with trust and confidence."

Preliminary phase two guidelines are outlined below.

Restaurants

Indoor dining will be allowed at restaurants, up to 50 percent capacity, to expand on the current outdoor-only arrangement. Earlier this week, more than 200 Rhode Island restaurants signed a letter calling for the governor to allow indoor dining by this date.

The governor thanked restaurant owners for their creativity and patience throughout the pandemic, despite being hit hard by forced closures.

"It would have been easy for restaurant owner to be angry and frustrated, and very justifiably," Raimondo said.

Offices

Employees who need to be in the workplace can start to return to the office, Raimondo said, though those who can comfortable continue to work from home are continued to do so. Offices will be allowed to have up to one-third of their employees working in the building.

Travel

Those who leave the state will not be required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days unless they travel internationally or visit an area that has a stay-at-home order in place.

Personal services

Close-contact businesses such as barbershops, salons, hair braiders, nail salons, massage services and more will be allowed to reopen with strict regulations such as mask wearing and frequent disinfection. Waiting rooms will have magazines and other potentially shared items removed. Since hair dryers have the potential to circulate infected air, these services will likely happen in a separate room.

Gyms

Gyms, yoga studios and other fitness facilities will be allowed to reopen with capacity restrictions. Reservations will likely be required, Raimondo said, to avoid overcrowding. Group fitness classes will be allowed to resume with size restrictions, and attendees are encouraged to go to the same classes each week to avoid interacting with too many different people.

Outdoor entertainment

Some outdoor entertainment businesses such as the Roger Williams Park Zoo, min golf courses, boat rentals and more can reopen. Open air spaces have shown to be safer than closed-off areas indoors, leading the state to be confident in allowing certain areas where people congregate to reopen.

Parks and beaches

All state parks and beaches will be open to the public after June 1. Towns will reopen beaches at their own discretion.

Detailed, industry-specific guidelines will be posted on the Reopening RI website after Tuesday, Raimondo said, to address specific questions. Industries or business owners who do not feel like they are ready to open yet are encouraged to use their best judgement.

"If you feel the need, because of the circumstances of your community, to take it slower, by all means do that," Raimondo said. "Work at the pace that you feel is appropriate for your community."

This story will be updated.