One Hundred-and-Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Emergency Declaration - Amendments to Executive Order 21-22

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, Executive Order 20-02 was issued for a declaration of a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by COVID-19 and that Order has been extended to remain in effect until at least March 17, 2021;

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

WHEREAS, on March 5, 2021, I issued Executive Order 21-22 updating the Protecting Your Household order; and

WHEREAS, in consultation with the Director of Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), I sought further modified mitigation measures to continue maintaining public health and safety with appropriate, less restrictive means.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DANIEL J. MCKEE, 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 the following amendments to Executive Order 21-22 ("Order"):

1. Paragraph 15 of the Order under the heading of "Retail Businesses" shall be replaced in its entirety with the following provision:
   
   
   
   "All retail businesses with a physical location in Rhode Island may continue to conduct in-store pickup and limited browsing. All retail businesses may continue operations subject to the indoors requirements of allowing (a) one customer per 100 square feet of store area open to customers generally for any retail business with a store area of no more than 30,000 square feet and (b) up to one person, exclusive of employees, per 150 square feet for any retail business with a store area greater than 30,000 square feet or any multi-tenant retail complex greater than 30,000 square feet. Capacity limits must be posted in clearly visible, large format signs at all entrances as well as on the retail establishment's website, if possible, and the retail establishment must actively manage the number of patrons in the store area. Malls and other multi-tenant retailers may remain open but common spaces, such as seating areas, must be closed or roped off. Food court restaurants with their own dedicated seating area are permitted to remain open, subject to applicable restaurant rules."
   
    
2. The last sentence in paragraph 23 of the Order under the heading of "Continued and Modified Relief for Restaurants and Bars - Indoor and Outdoor Dining" shall be replaced with the following provision:
   
   
   
   "From 11 p.m. until closing, a licensee must close its bar area, including but not limited to the bar counter and seating at the bar counter, and ensure that the bar area is not accessible to patrons, except the licensee may keep the bar area open until midnight in the case of customers who are seated and order food by 11 p.m."
   
    
3. Paragraph 43 of the Order under the heading of "Restricting Spectators from Attending Sporting Events or Practices" shall be replaced in its entirety with the following provision:
   
   
   
   "On-campus students, faculty and other personnel who meet school testing protocols may attend outdoor intercollegiate athletic events."
   
    
4. Paragraph 44 of the Order under the heading of "Restricting Spectators from Attending Sporting Events or Practices" shall be replaced in its entirety with the following provision:
   
   
   
   "For sporting events or practices with athletes under the age of 18, no more than two parents or guardians of the athlete and the athlete's siblings may be present."
   
    
5. All other provisions of the Order shall remain unchanged and continue to be applicable.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in full force and effect through April 10, 2021 unless renewed, modified, or terminated by a subsequent Executive Order.

So Ordered,

Daniel J, Mckee

Governor