Rhode Island state officials announced new guidelines regarding event capacity limits on Thursday.Governor Dan McKee was joined by Health Department Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott to announce that limits on crowds can begin to increase once the state has reached a goal of 70% of residents being at least partly vaccinated (two weeks past one dose or more).
McKee said that if vaccination goals are met within a specific time frame, proms, graduations and Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations can take place in Rhode Island.
Specifically, the state’s goals for the 70% vaccination benchmark are:
·70% of Rhode Islanders over age 16 will be at least two weeks past their initial vaccination dose by May 15th.
·70% of ALL Rhode Islanders, including children, will be at least two weeks past their initial vaccination dose, by June 5th.
Here is an outline for new event capacity limits, once the 70% benchmark has been met:
·Phase 1- (Now through May 15th) - For events without food served, i.e. graduations and concerts – Capacity limit 250 indoors, 500 outdoors
·Phase 2 (May 15—June 5th) -Capacity limit 500 people indoors. 1,000 outdoors.
·Phase 3 (June 5th-till further notice) - Capacity limit500 indoors. 2,000 outdoors
·COVID-19 tests recommended for anyone attending indoor events, 48 hours in advance.
·State approval required for any event of 500+ people.
Catered Events- New guidelines to be announced on www.reopeningri.com