Governor Dan McKee this week announced comprehensive actions to address an increase in COVID-19 cases and alleviate pressures on our hospital systems while keeping schools open for in-person learning and preventing economic disruptions to small businesses.

The Governor announced several temporary measures to bring additional layers of mitigation during the holidays when more time is spent gathering indoors.

The measures fall into three categories below and focus on both masking and proof of vaccination. These temporary measures will go into effect on Monday, December 20, 2021.

Proof of vaccination includes screenshots or printouts from the State’s vaccine record lookup portal, in addition to your vaccination card or a photo of your vaccination card.

***Businesses that have questions on these new measures can call the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation hotline at (401) 889-5550 or complete an electronic form.***

– Masking will be required of employees and patrons inside venues with a capacity of 250 or more regardless of vaccination status.

– This will apply to all recreation and entertainment establishments, all historical and cultural establishments, all religious and faith-based organizations, and all retail or service businesses conducting operations in indoor venues.

– Masking or proof of vaccination will be required of employees and patrons inside venues with a capacity of fewer than 250 persons.

– Establishments can adopt either:

1)      An across the board indoor masking requirement,
2)      An across the board vaccination requirement, or
3)      Allow individuals to either be masked or show proof or vaccination.

This applies to recreation and entertainment establishments, historical and cultural establishments, religious and faith-based organizations, and retail or service businesses conducting operations in indoor venues.

The above policy also applies to catered events of fewer than 250 guests.

– All office-based businesses, manufacturers and other public or private employers with indoor operations shall require either masking or proof of vaccination for all persons on their premises.

– Establishments can adopt either:

1)      An across the board indoor masking requirement,
2)      An across the board vaccination requirement, or
3)      Allow individuals to either be masked or show proof or vaccination.