McKee: COVID Restrictions Lifted May 21

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee announced today that the state will render its COVID-19 restrictions lifted May 21, a week earlier than originally planned.

In a follow-up to Thursday’s advisory by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that fully vaccinated people can go mask-free indoors, McKee also said the state’s mask mandate will be lifted on Tuesday, May 18 for people who have completed their vaccination regimen.

Per CDC guidelines, this means that people have completed the two-week wait after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Rhode Island Department of Health has also launched a website where people can find and download proof of their vaccination record.

The CDC also noted that local, state, federal, and tribal rules about mask-wearing must still be followed, and reiterated that people who have not been fully vaccinated should still wear masks. Travelers are still required to wear masks on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in domestic transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

McKee’s decision to lift Rhode Island’s COVID-19 restrictions removes the former capacity limits for businesses, offices, and houses of worship beginning next week.

Vaccinations are available at three state clinics and many local pharmacies without needing appointments — learn more at the RIDOH COVID-19 resource page, or schedule a vaccination through the VaccinateRI.org website.