Coronavirus Restrictions + Vaccine Availability + RI Shooting

Happy Saturday, Woonsocket!

Welcome to the Woonsocket Patch Daily — the quickest way to get caught up on the biggest news and events happening in town. I'm Annie Sandoli; I grew up in Central Massachusetts and have lived, worked, and studied in Boston for the last five years. I cover local stories in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including Woonsocket! I hope you'll become a regular reader, and if you like what we're doing each day, spread the news!

In today's Daily, we share the latest news about Rebuild Woonsocket, COVID-19 vaccine totals in the state of Rhode Island, a drug bust by the FBI, and Rhode Island's National Merit Scholars.

First, today's weather:

Sunny. Temps: High of 78° & Low of 52° .

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee announced today that the state will lift its mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated people on Tuesday, May 18, marking the state's largest step toward a new normal since the mask mandate first went into effect on May 8, 2020. (Patch)

2. Rhode Island health officials announced Thursday that the state has opened vaccine availability to people who do not live or work in the state. The new policy will officially begin Monday, May 17. (Patch)

3. Nine people were injured Thursday evening in Providence in what police are calling the largest shooting in the city's history. Three of the victims were described to have serious injuries. (Patch)

4. Several Rhode Island Dunkin' Donuts will offer COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesday, May 26, according to company spokesperson Chris Raia. Dunkin' plans to offer vaccines in high-need ZIP codes and in stores with enough space to safely perform vaccinations. (Patch)

5. The Woonsocket City Council has lifted the local declaration of emergency that was put in place at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration lasted for about 14 months. (The Woonsocket Call)

Happenings and Events in Woonsocket:

• Papo's Pub is hosting Saturday Karaoke from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. The event is organized by WRIK Entertainment and is open to the public.
• The Museum of Work & Culture is open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be reserved online here.
• Past Down in Time, a new antique and collectibles shop located at 154 Main Street, is celebrating its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. followed by the store opening at 10 a.m.
• Lops Brewing is hosting the launch of Arts in the Alley from 12 -4 p.m tomorrow, May 16. The event will feature beer, music, vendors, food, and more.

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Featured classifieds:

• Job Listing: Seasons Corner Market Now Hiring with Summer Bonus
• Job Listing: Assistant to the ex. director

You're all caught up on what's happening today in Woonsocket. We'll see you in your inbox tomorrow. Have a great day!

-Annie

About me: I grew up in Central Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Harvard University. I am passionate about music and the arts, creative writing and literature, and topics of social and political justice.