Gov. Raimondo extends Rhode Island 'pause' one more week

PROVIDENCE — Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Thursday that she is extending the "pause" in the Rhode Island economy one more week, through Dec. 20.

The governor said data indicate that Rhode Islanders' mobility has declined during the first two weeks of the "pause," which began Nov. 30, but not to the extent that she had hoped. She also noted that the state has for several days led the nation in new coronavirus cases per capita.

Relief programs for businesses affected by the pause, and an extra $200 in unemployment benefits for workers impacted, will be extended an additional week, she said.

Raimondo said that when the pause lifts, beginning Dec. 21:

• Social gatherings involving people from different households will remain prohibited.
• Full in-person learning will still be permitted in prekindergarten through grade eight, with limited in-person learning in high schools. Colleges and universities will remain online only.
• Houses of worship will remain limited to 25% capacity or a maximum of 125 people.
• Bar areas will remain closed.
• Indoor dining will be allowed at 50% capacity, up from 33% capacity, with only people from the same household allowed to sit together.
• Gyms and indoor sports facilities will be able to reopen, with a limit of one person per 150 square feet.

Read more: https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/2020/12/10/ri-pause-and-surging-covid-numbers-maybe-focus-raimondo-press-conference/3884964001/