Hello friend,
GOVERNOR GINA RAIMONDO
We’re continuing to see our COVID-19 case numbers trend in the right direction, with hospitalizations steadily declining and percent positive at its lowest point in over three months. Thank you to Rhode Islanders for continuing to step up, wear masks, get tested, and protect your household. With over 2.5 million tests and over 100,000 vaccines in arms, we’re on a good path. It’s been a busy week, from Monday’s snowstorm to Wednesday’s State of the State address, and we’re staying focused on keeping the virus under control, moving forward with vaccine distribution, and ensuring a smooth transition. Here’s some news from this past week:
VACCINATION CLINICS
As Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott announced yesterday, there are going to be three main types of places where people will be able to get vaccinated:
The first type of place is a state-run vaccination site. We expect these sites to open later this month, as more vaccine comes into Rhode Island. We eventually anticipate opening 5-10 of these sites across the state, with registration opening within the next couple weeks.
The second location where vaccine will be available will be retail pharmacies. The same age, high-risk conditions, and geography framework will be used to determine who is eligible for an appointment. Learn about your eligibility here.
14 different Walgreens locations will start administering shots next Tuesday. The registration process will open on Sunday morning. You can schedule by going to comor calling Walgreens directly.
VS will start vaccinating in Providence and Johnston on Sunday. You can start scheduling on Saturday by going to com.
The third type of place where people will be able to get vaccinated is local and regional vaccination sites. These will include community clinics run by cities and towns, like the pilot program that was run last week.
It will also include vaccination happening through some hospital and healthcare systems, community health centers, and other sites in the community. Registration for these sites will be determined by municipalities.
7,000 doses total will be divided among cities and towns each week for four weeks, starting the week of February 14th. All cities and towns will then get second doses to vaccinate the people who received first doses. Scheduling will vary by city and town for these doses.
As I’m sure you’ve seen, vaccination slots are filling up as soon as they’re announced, and so while it’s difficult, you should be prepared for it to take some time before you can get your first shot.
We’re also working with home care agencies to ensure people unable to leave their homes are able to get vaccinated. Please be patient with our healthcare heroes working to get this vaccine out to everyone as fast as possible. Right now, we are only getting a little more than 16,000 first doses of vaccine each week, compared to the 80,000 people in Rhode Island who are 75 and older.
EASING BUSINESS RESTRICTIONS
With our numbers headed in the right direction, yesterday we announced a gradual loosening of some of our business restrictions:
Capacity limits for catered events, including weddings, will increase to 30 people indoors and 50 people outdoors, provided that (1) there is pre-event testing of all event attendees, (2) a designated event COVID Safety Officer, and (3) restaurant rules are followed.
For indoor dining, capacity limits will remain at 50%, but up to two households will be allowed per table up to a maximum of 8 people per table. For outdoor dining, up to three households will be allowed per table capped at 8 people per table.
For offices, capacity limits will increase to 33% and remote workers may return to the office. However, remote work is still encouraged, if feasible and practical.
For gyms, sports facilities, and indoor recreation, capacity limits will increase to 1 person per 125 sq. ft. and spacing requirements will be reduced to 6 ft.
SUPER BOWL
We’re all excited for the big game, but please remember that social gatherings are still limited to your immediate household. Don’t gather or have big parties! The end of this pandemic is in sight, and we can’t throw that progress away. We’ll all be able to gather soon, and before you know it, we’ll be watching the start of the 2021 season together.
-Gina Raimondo
Governor