As COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the state and country, and Rhode Island is currently processing more PCR tests than at any other time during the pandemic response, Gov. Dan McKee announced new mask regulations during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The regulations go into effect Monday, and will be reviewed in 30 days.
“The health and safety of Rhode Islanders must always be our top priority,” McKee said. “The comprehensive actions that my Administration is announcing today focus on what we know works to stop the spread of COVID-19 and alleviate pressures on our hospital systems. I want to thank all the Rhode Islanders who have stepped up to get vaccinated - and I’m now urging you to get your booster shot.”
For masks McKee laid out three different categories for masking requirements as a way to mitigate the spread of COVID.
Indoor venues (including retail, restaurants, venues of assembly, and entertainment establishments) with a capacity of 250 persons or more, masking will be required of employees and patrons inside regardless of vaccination status. This will apply to all recreation and entertainment establishments, all historical and cultural establishments, all religious and faith-based organizations, and all retail or service businesses conducting operations in indoor venues.
For venues with a capacity of fewer than 250 persons, masking or proof of vaccination will be required of employees and patrons inside. This will apply to all recreation and entertainment establishments, all historical and cultural establishments, all religious and faith-based organizations, and all retail or service businesses conducting operations in indoor venues.
Establishments can adopt either an across the board indoor masking requirement, an across the board vaccination requirement, or allow individuals to either be masked or show proof of vaccination.
All office-based businesses, manufacturers and other public or private employers with indoor operations shall require either masking or proof of vaccination for all persons on their premises.
Office-based businesses will also adopt either an across the board indoor masking requirement, an across the board vaccination requirement, or allow individuals to either be masked or show proof of vaccination.
“The comprehensive set of actions that the Governor announced today focus on the tools that will get us through this surge in cases and help alleviate capacity issues and stress on our health care systems,” said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH. “Masks are effective at limiting the spread of COVID-19, and getting your primary vaccine series and your booster dose makes it much less likely that you will get seriously ill from COVID-19. There are dozens of vaccination opportunities all throughout Rhode Island every day. If you have gotten your primary series or your booster dose, get vaccinated today.”
According to a press release from McKee’s office “Rhode Island currently leads the nation in tests per capita.”
But on Wednesday, Mckee announced that the State is “taking action to strengthen the state’s COVID-19 testing strategy.”
A press release from the Governor’s Office said that Health Equity Zones and community partners will support the distribution of tests to residents.
“Using these tests, Rhode Island will be able to test approximately 10% of its population over the next two weeks,” the press release stated. “The Governor has requested an additional 1 million at-home rapid tests from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will allow the State to provide rapid tests to all 39 cities and towns.”
Because of the high volume of PCR tests McKee has directed RIDOH and the Department of Administration to swiftly explore additional laboratory capacity to help reduce COVID-19 PCR test result turnaround times.
Tom McCarthy, Executive Director for Rhode Island’s COVID Response said that right now 150,000 COVID tests are being conducted per week in Rhode Island.
“Additionally, Gov. McKee announced that Rhode Island will continue to expand its test to stay initiative,” the press release stated. “Test to stay enables students who have been exposed to COVID-19 - but are asymptomatic - to test each day before going into school instead of having to quarantine. The initiative helps keep kids in school and reduces interruptions to learning.”
Test to stay will be expanded to East Providence, Smithfield, North Smithfield, Barrington, Tiverton, Blackstone Valley Prep and the Learning Community charter school.
McKee on Wednesday sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell requesting FEMA medical personnel to assist in the State’s response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations by providing emergency staffing for local hospital systems, according to a press release.
“The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is currently working with hospital leadership to complete the formal FEMA Resource Request process,” the release stated.
McKee also announced that he will be forming the Governor’s Working Group on Health Care Staffing Capacity. The group will be made up of both state and private sector leaders in the health care and workforce sectors. Together, they will explore additional short- and long-term solutions to the health care staffing challenges facing Rhode Island.
McKee said that additional details would be shared next week.
On Wednesday, the leaders of Rhode Island’s two largest health care providers said that they were pleased with the plans put in place by McKee.
“Care New England fully supports Gov. Daniel McKee’s newly unveiled COVID-19 protocols that will directly address the issue of community spread, during the pandemic,” said James E. Fanale, President and CEO, Care New England Health System. “Care New England, as other health systems throughout the state, is dedicated to treating patients, and in many cases, saving lives. We must do everything within our power to mitigate the spread and keep Rhode Islanders healthy this winter, as we see COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations rise.”
“These actions are greatly welcomed and needed. The pandemic has driven burnout among healthcare workers to crisis levels. The situation in our hospitals remains extremely difficult - we have far fewer healthcare workers to care for patients than we did even a year ago,” said Lifespan President and CEO Timothy J. Babineau, MD. “Many patients are presenting with more acute illnesses and conditions requiring longer inpatient hospital stays and more intensive treatment. In addition, the post-holiday rise in COVID and flu infections are putting additional pressure on our already stressed workforce. Public health measures including vaccination, masking and social distancing will help reduce the burden on the health care system and help to bring this pandemic to an end.”
Businesses that have questions on these new measures can call the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation hotline at 401-889-5550 or complete an electronic form at taskforce.dbr.ri.gov.
For more information on COVID-19 visit, covid.ri.gov. To book a COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot, visit www.vaccinateri.org.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here