An Update From Governor Raimondo:
Hello friend,
If you've been watching our press conferences or reading my emails, you know that I'm laser-focused on getting Rhode Island back to work safely. But going back to work doesn’t mean going back to normal. We are going to have to continue to take precautions to keep ourselves and our fellow Rhode Islanders safe. With that in mind, I have signed an executive order directing everyone in a public place – whether indoors or outdoors – to wear a cloth face covering.
To stay up to date with Rhode Island's latest COVID-19 statistics, please check the Department of Health's new data dashboard for all the information you need about the spread of coronavirus in Rhode Island.
The only exceptions are for young children and anyone whose health would be negatively impacted by wearing a face covering. The order goes into effect Friday, but I want you to get into the habit of wearing your face covering wherever you go starting now. If you're outside of your home and around other people, you should be wearing a face covering. Here’s how I want you to think about it: Most of us don’t leave home without our keys and our wallets. Now, we don't leave home without your keys, your wallet AND your face covering. If you need help making a cloth face covering, you can go to the CDC website for a tutorial. Remember, you can make a face covering out of an old tee shirt, or you can use a bandana or a scarf.
I know this might feel strange, but there’s nothing normal about what we’re all going through right now. We’re having to learn to be creative and innovative, and we’re finding new ways to stay connected. At the same time, we can now look forward to some parks reopening and retail shops reopening – with reduced capacity and new guidelines to keep everyone safe. All of that gives me hope, and I hope it gives you hope too." We’re all in this together. -Gina Raimondo Governor P.S.: Information is our greatest weapon in the fight against COVID-19, If you or someone you know wants to sign up to receive these emails, you can use this link.