One Hundred-and-Thirty-Second Supplemental Emergency Declaration - Amendments to Executive Order 21-27

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 April 14, 2021;

WHEREAS, it is critical that Rhode Island's economic, cultural and civic life be re-opened 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 19, 2021, I issued Executive Order 21-27 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 21-27 ("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 indoor requirements of allowing no more than (a) one customer per 50 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) one customer per 100 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, including food court and restaurant self-service seating areas, are permitted to open, subject to applicable rules, including capacity and restaurant rules."
   
    
2. Paragraph 22 of the Order under the heading of "Continued and Modified Relief for Restaurants and Bars - Indoor and Outdoor Dining" shall be replaced in its entirety with the following provision:
   
   
   
   "Outdoor dining is still encouraged as long as the restaurant does not service more than its normal operating capacity. Up to ten people may be seated at any outdoor table, provided they wear masks when not eating or drinking. If an establishment has established extra outdoor dining capacity, that additional outdoor capacity may remain if the municipality approves such additional capacity (in accordance with the municipality's approval processes)."

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in full force and effect through April 17, 2021 unless renewed, modified, or terminated by a subsequent Executive Order.

So Ordered,

Daniel J. Mckee

Governor