Temporary Indoor Mask, Vaccine Rules Announced For Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Temporary changes are coming to Rhode Island to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Starting Monday, new requirements for mask-wearing and proof of vaccination will go into effect, for at least the next 30 days.

Gov. Dan McKee said that "there's pressure right now on our hospitals," which could threaten in-person school, as well as the state's economy.

"A lot has happened since Thanksgiving," McKee said Wednesday. "Now is the time to act, not just sit and wait."

The new guidance includes three categories: indoor venues with capacities over 250 people, indoor venues with capacities under 250 people and non-public workplaces. Indoor venues include restaurants, entertainment venues, places of worship, stores and other public places.

• Large venues (250+ capacity): Masks must be worn by everyone, regardless of vaccine status
• Smaller venues (up to 250 capacity): Must either require mask-wearing or proof of vaccination
• Offices/places of work: Must either require mask-wearing or proof of vaccination

The Commerce Department will release a list of frequently asked questions for businesses by the end of the day Thursday.

"Masking is effective, [for] vaccinated as well as unvaccinated, because it works against COVID, current variants like delta, omicron, which is coming, and other respiratory disease," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Alexander-Scott also reiterated the need to get vaccinated, especially children.

"All parents and families: if there is a child in your life who is 5 or older, please get that child vaccinated," she said.

According to data collected by the Department of Health, unvaccinated Rhode Islanders are four time more likely to get infected with COVID-19, and 11 times more likely to be hospitalized. Although unvaccinated adults make up a small percentage of the population, two thirds of people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 did not get vaccinated.

To those who did receive a COVID-19 vaccine, it's time to get a booster shot if you are eligible, Alexander-Scott continued. Early data shows that booster shots are 75 percent effective against the omicron variant.

"The booster doses are necessary now for everyone," Alexander-Scott said. "Getting your booster dose now is the new norm ... the standard now is getting your booster dose."