Rhode Island launches outdoors campaign as COVID deaths, cases rise

Providence (AP) — Compliance with the state’s virus restrictions has improved since officials stepped up enforcement in recent weeks, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo said Wednesday.

Nearly all of the more than 1,000 businesses visited by inspectors last week were complying with the state’s mask requirements and capacity limits, she said.

Bars and eateries, though, remain problematic. The Democratic governor said 15% of restaurants and bars weren’t ensuring proper social distancing for customers and staff.

Raimondo recently imposed an 11 p.m. closing time for bar areas. House parties, backyard barbecues and other social gatherings have been limited to 15 people.

And neighboring Massachusetts recently has imposed a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine on travelers coming from Rhode Island. Connecticut, New York and New Jersey recently have dropped Rhode Island from their quarantine lists.

Raimondo said the Massachusetts order has been especially difficult on small business owners and restaurants, many of which rely on Rhode Island customers.

A look at other coronavirus developments in Rhode Island:

Virus cases

Rhode Island has had three new deaths from the coronavirus and more than 100 additional positive cases, state health officials said Wednesday.

Roughly 80 people were hospitalized with the virus as of Monday, according to the most recent data available, officials said.

More than 1,000 people have died and more than 20,000 have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state.

Outdoors campaign

As the summer draws to a close, state officials are launching a new campaign to encourage people to get outdoors as much as possible.

Raimondo said Wednesday that the “Take It Outside” campaign will encourage business owners and government officials to conduct more activities outdoors, from dining al fresco to meetings and workout classes.

She said doing more outdoors helps slow the spread of the virus. Health officials suggest you’re as much as 19 times more likely to contract the virus indoors compared to outdoors, Raimondo said.