City Announces Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Aligned With State Guidance on Phase III, Residents Urged to Continue Following Social Distancing Practices

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced an executive order effective Wednesday, July 1 that aligns the City with the latest State guidelines on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 upon entering Phase III of statewide reopening plans.

“We are working to safely implement Phase III guidelines while maintaining a robust, local testing system and ensuring our residents are taking the precautions necessary to prevent a second wave of cases within our community,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “As more of our businesses begin to reopen, we will continue to offer supports locally to ensure they can be successful now and in the future. I ask that every community member continue to follow the latest social distancing and hygiene guidelines.”

This executive order outlines the below updates to restrictions and guidelines within the City of Providence:

·         Social gatherings can be no larger than 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors, in accordance with State guidelines. For social gatherings where there is a licensed caterer, gatherings can be as large as 50 people indoors or up to 100 people outdoors.

·         Public events can be up to 125 people indoors or up to 250 people outdoors,  in accordance with State guidelines.

·         All indoor settings operating at a square footage capacity can increase up to one person per 100 square feet, provided that everyone maintains six feet of social distance and in accordance with State guidelines. All indoor settings currently operating at a percent capacity cap can still increase up to 66 percent capacity provided that everyone maintains six feet of social distance. Seated venues can open at up to 66 percent capacity, and free-flowing venues can open at 100 square feet per person, provided that everyone maintains six feet of social distance.

·         Domestic travel restrictions, and quarantine requirements, shall be consistent with those issued per Executive Order of the Governor of the State of Rhode Island.

·         All outdoor athletic fields, courts, and other sports facilities are open and available for organized youth and adult sports activities following social distancing guidelines, current group size restrictions in accordance with RIDEM and an approved permit.

·         Playgrounds will be open for public use, with Play Ambassadors on site from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday to greet visitors, remind them of social distancing guidelines, provide hand-sanitizer and masks, clean each play area twice a day, and connect families to Eat, Play, Learn PVD programs in the parks. All visitors are asked to follow the social distancing and hygiene recommendations on park signage with or without play ambassadors on site.

Additionally, events and entertainment shall comply with all guidelines and restrictions outlined by the State of Rhode Island and by the City of Providence permitting process. Hookah is not allowed during this time, as per guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Health.

City buildings shall be open to the public, in a limited capacity and subject to COVID-19 related restrictions. Certain city buildings may remain closed to the public, subject to public health guidance from the State of Rhode Island’s Department of Health.

All other COVID-19 related health and safety guidelines included in the latest executive order remain in place, effective through July 31. Residents are urged to follow all current social distancing and hygiene practices.

Updates to Slow Streets across the city can be found online using this GIS map. Local resources are available as defined on the City’s website. For more information on COVID-19 and best practices you can share, residents can visit this website, call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visit www.PVD311.com or download the PVD311 mobile app on your smart phone for 24/7 access.