Here we go again. Just like Michael Corleone in The Godfather, as soon as we think we may be in clear, we get pulled back in. Although we aren't dealing with New York City crime families, it certainly seems like we're back on familiar ground. The latest COVID 19 variant, Omicron, has been found to be exponentially more infectious, although preliminary data indicates it is less deadly. However, if the rate of infection is multiples higher, the numbers of serious illnesses and deaths will be higher due to the sheer number of infections. It looks like it could be another rough winter in front of us.
With the looming holidays the state's 5% COVID-19 positive rate is expected to increase, prompting new new mask and vaccine requirements in most indoor situations.
There were 1,092 positive COVID-19 cases in RI Wednesday (12/15), and more then 1,000 for the previous two days. A winter rise in COVID-19 cases was expected before Omicron was known to be spreading here as cold weather put more people indoors with closed windows. Omicron is expected to further increase pressure on hospitals, with ripple effects on the economy and schools, according to Governor Mckee.
The Governor announced several temporary measures to bring additional layers of mitigation during the holidays when indoor gatherings will increase.
The measures fall into three categories and focus on both masking and proof of vaccination.
Proof of vaccination includes screenshots or printouts from the States
vaccine record lookup portal, in addition to your vaccination card or a photo of your vaccination card.
The three-tiered approach is as follows:
Indoor venues (including retail, restaurants, venues of assembly, and entertainment establishments) with a capacity of 250 persons or more:
- 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.
Indoor venues (including retail, restaurants, venues of assembly, and entertainment establishments) with a capacity of fewer than 250 persons:
- 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.
Office-based businesses, manufacturers and other public or private employers.
- 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.
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