NEW: Raimondo Cuts Back Parking at 2 State Beaches Starting Thursday
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo said Wednesday that people in their 20s are accounting for a 250% increase in the state average in new coronavirus cases — and that due to beach overcrowding, she is scaling back parking at two state beaches.
“If we let our guard down we’re going to see a surge. It’s lurking with us and will be every day until we have a widely available vaccine,” said Raimondo.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“[The] statewide test positive rate is 2 percent…[between the ages of] 20 and 29, it’s 7 percent,” said Raimondo.
“Your unwillingness to follow these rules is putting everyone at risk,” said Raimondo to twenty-something Rhode Islanders.
“Just do the right thing. It’s true you might not get sick,” said Raimondo. “[But] what’s happening all over the country, young folks are crowding into beach houses and restaurants. And then they go home, and it gets spread to other populations that won’t do as well with this virus.”
Beaches Scaled Back
“I think we have some of the best beaches in America. I know how special and important they are. I want you to go to the beach,” said Raimondo.
“I have to say, we’re struggling to keep crowds under control at beaches,” said Raimondo. “Last month, even with reduced parking, our state beaches saw 50,000 more cars than this time last year. I get it, vacations have been canceled. We also have to follow the rules. If you’re going to the restroom or concession stand, we ask you to wear a mask.”
“We ask you to not go to the beach in big groups. This weekend we had issues with Misqaumicut and Scarborough. Last week I was asked [if I would] close beaches. And I said not unless I thought we had to,” said Raimondo. “At this point, I feel we have to make some changes. We’re seeing massive overcrowding, no mask-wearing.”
“Effective tomorrow, Misquamicut and Scarborough are reduced to 25% [parking] capacity,” said Raimondo. “I expect that the lots will be full by 9:30. I’m asking everyone to follow those rules — don’t think you can park illegally and walk to the beach. DEM is in close contact with local law enforcement."
“We’re going to ramp up enforcement and ramp up fines related to illegal parking around beaches,” said Raimondo. “I’m sorry we have to do this but it’s necessary.”
Raimondo, who has a family beach house in South County, said Rhode Islanders should plan on going at night, only for a few hours -- or make other plans.
In addition, Raimondo addressed the issue of "abusive behavior" by patrons at businesses.
“We’ve been hearing from far too many businesses young employees are being harassed by patrons,” said Raimondo. “I’m talking with General Callahan to have National Guard out and about to make sure we keep a lid on the crowds.”
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