One Hundred-and-Thirteenth Supplemental Emergency Declaration – Revised Sports Competitions and Practice Restrictions (Amendment to Executive Order 20-108)

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I declared a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by COVID-19 and such declaration has been extended until at least February 17, 20 21;

WHEREAS, despite progress in some key areas, the State continues to suffer from the effects of the pandemic;

WHEREAS, it is critical that Rhode Island's economic, cultural and civic life be re­opened to the greatest extent possible consistent with public health and that the public's health shall always be of paramount concern in connection with such re-opening;

WHEREAS, Rhode Islanders face a new set of challenges going into the winter months, including increased community spread and rising hospitalizations, and Rhode Islanders must make every effort to assess and mitigate their individual risk of contracting COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, transmission between athletes of all ages is of concern in sporting and athletic events and communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GINA M. RAIMONDO, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island, 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 substituting paragraph 40 and its paragraph heading, "Restricting Sports Competitions and Practices", of Executive Order 20-108 with the following amended paragraph headings and provisions:

Restricting Sports Competitions and Practices

40.  
    1. Consistent with guidance from RIDOH, moderate and lower risk sports may resume practices, competitions, scrimmages and games. Competitions, games and scrimmages of higher risk sports, such as wrestling and boxing, shall be prohibited; practices of higher risk sports may resume. Examples of higher, moderate and lower risk sports may be found at: https://reopeningri.com/wp­content/uploads/2021/01/Sports-Risk-Slide2021.pdf. This paragraph does not apply to activities of professional or intercollegiate athletic programs.

Restricting Interstate Sporting Activities

40.  
    
    2. All sports teams and groups are prohibited from participating in tournaments, matches, games, competitions, practices, etc. with out-of-state teams or sporting groups, except for professional and intercollegiate athletic programs.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in full force and effect through February 18, 2021 unless renewed, modified, or terminated by a subsequent Executive Order.

So Ordered,

Daniel J. McKee

Governor