Raimondo Announces New Restrictions, and Changes to Halloween
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced Thursday that she is allowing trick-or-treating in the state this Halloween -- but is asking Rhode Islanders to make adjustments.
The announcement comes a day after Raimondo told Rhode Islanders to cancel their Halloween parties “right now,” in light of surging Coronavirus numbers.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"Yesterday, I asked you to cancel Halloween parties," said Raimondo. "I want to talk especially to young kids — high school, college, young adults — you’re young and healthy. You want to have a party. This year, no Halloween parties. It will make everything less safe for everyone."
"Trick-or-treating we are going to allow. I want to say this. To those who are trick-or-treating — you have to wear a mask, and not a costume mask," she said. "Please go in small groups. I’m also you asking you to do trick-or-treating during daylight. We’d like trick-or-treating to start and end before it gets dark."
"If you start trick-or-treating at 5, and are still at 8 -- it's human nature to stop following rules over time," she added.
"I’d ask you to consider alternatives to trick-or-treating. Watch movies outside, arrange a Zoom to show off candy with friends, creative safe ways…I’d ask you to think about," said Raimondo.
"Someone said, 'Hey Gov, I’m not canceling my party' - I’m asking you please to forgo Halloween parties for one year to save lives," she added. "If you have your party, you will be part of an increase in cases that will lead to more hospitalizations and more deaths. I’m just asking you to do the right thing and not be selfish."
"If your party is greater than 15 people, we will shut you down," said Raimondo, adding that state regulators will be out at restaurants and bars on Halloween.
On Thursday, the Department of Health announced 228 new positive COVID-19 cases, after testing 12,312 people on Wednesday.
There were two additional fatalities reported.
Closing Break Rooms
Raimondo on Thursday announced the closure of work break rooms for the next 90 days -- while "also ensuring employees have time and opportunity to take a break."
"I’m not saying don’t have a break. But [we're asking] employers to find alternative safer ways than small break rooms for your employees to take breaks and take a rest," she said.
"I know there are some employers governed by contracts and federal regulations, and I know it may be difficult to comply. We’re here to help you," she said. "This is not meant to be punitive. You can go to reopeningri.com."
"We’re not talking about cafeterias — these tend to be big enough spaces. We’re not talking talking about large lunch rooms. We’re talking about small break rooms," she said.
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