Phase 1 of Reopen RI set to begin May 9

Phase 1 of Governor Gina Raimondo’s three-phase Reopen RI plan is set to start Saturday, May 8, as the state begins to ease restrictions put in place to curb COVID-19 infection rates. Phase 1, titled Testing the Water, will permit some normal business and social activity to resume, with stronger restrictions still remaining in place for other businesses. It will lift the state’s stay-at-home order, but will still limit social gatherings to 10 people, and those with underlying health conditions will be asked to remain at home. Non-essential retail stores that have been closed will be allowed to reopen with new safety measures that ensure social distancing by putting limits on the number of customers allowed inside at one time. The governor’s administration is still encouraging remote work when possible until further notice. Phases 2 and 3 will continue relaxing restrictions while maintaining social distancing and good hygienic practices.