Second Supplemental Declaration – Restaurants, Bars, Entertainment Venues, and Public Gatherings

This Emergency Declaration supplements Executive Order 20-02 issued March 9, 2020.

WHEREAS, as of the date of this Order, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has reported 21 cases of COVID-19 in Rhode Island;

WHEREAS, COVID-19 continues to spread and, for the first time, Rhode Island has experienced community transmission of the virus;

WHEREAS, additional measures are necessary to protect the health of the people of Rhode Island and to contain the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and RIDOH recommend implementation of community mitigation strategies, including the cancellation of large events and social distancing outside the home.

NOW THEREFORE, I, GINA M. RAIMONDO, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, pursuant to Article IX of the Rhode Island Constitution and the Rhode Island General Laws, including, but not limited to, Title 30, Chapter 15, and Title 23, Chapter 8, do hereby order and direct the following:

1. Gatherings of 25 people or more are prohibited in Rhode Island. Gatherings subject to this Order include, but are not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, or faithbased events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any other similar activity that brings together 25 or more people at the same time.
2. Any restaurant, bar or establishment that offers food or drink shall not permit on premises consumption of food or drink; provided that such establishments may continue to offer food and non-alcoholic beverages for take-out and delivery in accordance with the social distancing protocols and guidance set forth by RIDOH.

This Order shall take effect on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 and shall remain in full force and effect until Monday, March 30, 2020, unless renewed, modified or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.

So Ordered,

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor