PROVIDENCE — As Rhode Island’s restaurants will be able to welcome patrons for limited outdoor dining starting on Monday, May 18, following the easing of some coronavirus-related restrictions announced last week by Gov. Gina Raimondo, there do remain limitations and mandates on eateries planning to offer open-air service.

While some concerns remain over compliance with a new executive order requiring cloth-based nose and mouth coverings in public – particularly among customers at drive-thru windows, which the governor put at 75 percent based on observations by Department of Business Regulation inspectors – Gov. Raimondo said the weekend, coupled with “good news” seen in the latest COVID-19 data, provided the “confidence” needed to proceed with the outdoor dining plan.

In East Providence, the office of Mayor Bob DaSilva announced restaurants and other business that some restrictions in city and the permitting process are still in place. Eateries are required to apply for an emergency outdoor dining permit, which can be done online by visiting eastprovidenceri.viewpointcloud.com.

In addition, the mayor’s office reminded all proprietors, per R.I. Department of Commerce, if they plan on reopening as part of the governor’s Phase 1, a completed and signed series of documents must be submitted by Monday, May 18.

COVID-19 Control Plan: Business owners are asked to fill out a simple plan outlining how they will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their workplace. The plan does not need to be submitted for approval, but keep on filed on the premises and be presented in the case of an inspection or an outbreak.

Guidelines and more information on all facets of Phase 1 can be found at https://www.reopeningri.com.

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