In the guidelines, which come into effect on December 20, McKee introduced another mask mandate, but only for venues with a capacity of more than 250 people. People in facilities with a lower capacity can provide proof of vaccination to “rule out” masking.
His mandates have generated mixed reactions from politicians, corporations, and industry leaders across the state.
“It seems difficult to seriously claim that we are living in an ’emergency’ when your ’emergency’ mask order does not go into effect for five days, but conveniently right after the last pre-Christmas shopping and partying weekend. Funny, ”tweeted Rep. Brian C. Newberry, a Republican from North Smithfield.
Seriously claiming that we are in an “emergency” seems difficult to claim when your “emergency” mask order does not take effect for 5 days, but conveniently right after the last pre-Christmas shopping and partying weekend. Funny that.
– Brian C. Newberry (@BrianCNewberry) December 15, 2021
The Republicans at Rhode Island House issued a statement saying that if McKee was serious about addressing the state’s lack of intensive care beds, he would lift the health care mandate.
“Instead of addressing this health department folly, the governor has now imposed additional unenforceable measures that violate the privacy of the people of Rhode Island,” Republican members of the House of Representatives said in a statement.
General Treasurer Seth Magaziner was the first gubernatorial candidate for 2022 to call for a mandate for interior masks, and said in a statement to Globe Wednesday that McKee was “finally listening to the experts.”
“In recent weeks, I have also urged the governor to direct federal stimulus funding to address the severe staff shortage in hospitals and other critical care facilities, and I am disappointed that today’s announcement did not contain a specific plan to address this staff shortage.” ” said Magaziner. “The situation has become dangerous and urgently needs to be addressed.”
Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive who also challenges McKee in the governor race, said she wished McKee would make the masking decision sooner.
“Leading in a crisis means listening to the experts and acting decisively at the right moment,” said Foulkes.
. @ HelenaBFoulkes just posted a statement:
“Leading in a crisis means listening to experts and acting decisively at the right moment. I’m glad our governor made the right decision today, but for the sake of all Rhode Islanders, I wish he had done it sooner. ”Pic.twitter.com/TGBm4hTlWw
– Alexa Gagosz (@AlexaGagosz) December 15, 2021
Don Fox, president of Burrillville City Council, told the Globe he was aware of the governor’s plans to announce new guidelines but had not yet reviewed them.
“Our city council is very keen not to hurt businesses and livelihoods of people who struggled through 2020 and who worked hard to get back on their feet in 2021,” he said.
Johnston’s Mayor Joseph M. Polisena, another Democrat and longtime McKee supporter, said the governor is striking the right balance with the new masked mandate.
“I think the governor is trying a delicate balancing act as COVID cases rise and try to keep the business climate going,” said Polisena, co-chair of McKee’s COVID-19 advisory group on the transition. He said the new mask mandate won’t be an obstacle to Johnston restaurants. “I’ve known Danny for a long time. He gives a face to every decision he makes, and the faces are their restaurant and business owners. He wants them to stay in business, but be safe. “
Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza said the state’s new requirements were “necessary measures to slow the spread of the virus”.
“This situation is dynamic and the city will continue to monitor local cases and trends to see if additional action is needed in the future,” he said in a statement to the Globe.
Places of worship leaders in Rhode Island reacted mixedly to the governor’s announcement.
Bishop Thomas Tobin of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence encouraged all Rhode Island Catholics to follow state guidelines by wearing a mask when attending mass and other services. But, he added in a statement, “no person should be turned away from Mass or singled out if they choose not to wear a mask. Such people can have good and valid reasons not to do so. “
He also said that liturgy pastors are not expected to wear masks “while actively participating in the liturgy”.
Bishop W. Nicholas Knisely of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island said his diocese will abide by the new rules. A mask is offered or otherwise encouraged to people who do not want to abide by the rules to watch the service from their home. Knisely said he believed universal masking would be more practical rather than checking vaccination protocols in communities with fewer than 250.
“I know there have been letters from other groups of clergy who are not denominational or related to other traditions that said this is too far for them,” said Knisely. “It is not too far for us, and part of my Bible reading is that it is our duty to care for our neighbors.”
A sign for social distancing at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. Maddie Meyer / Getty
Business and industry leaders raised a number of concerns about the mandate, fearing that business owners and employees would become “masked police”.
“You’d think they might have a better plan the last two years than getting back on public health workers for $ 3.89 an hour,” said Eileen Harvey, who owns Skeff’s Neighborhood Pub in Cumberland.
The Rhode Island Hospitality Association recently conducted a survey that showed “mixed results” on mask and vaccine regulations in hospitality establishments.
“The primary concern is the people who are now at the forefront of enforcement,” said Dale Venturini, CEO and president of the association. “We represent an industry that is keen to do justice to everyone. And while our industry is one of the most regulated during the pandemic, it continues to work hard to meet consumer demand, deliver the best possible guest experience, and follow best practices to ensure the safety of customers and employees. And all of this during long working hours due to a lack of staff. “
Luke Renchan, who owns an entertainment company that brings DJs, photo booths and lighting to events like weddings, said he and others in the industry are “100 percent against” the new rules.
“We are still able to do what we need to do for our events,” said Renchan, who is based in Tiverton. “Events can still happen.”
Rick Simone, president of the Federal Hill Commerce Association and head of the Ocean State Coalition, said he does not support “any mask mandate” but understands the current burden on hospitals.
“Governor McKee acted in good faith and fully involved us and our colleagues in the process of today’s decision,” he told the Globe.
Simone called on the state health department to “ensure that additional measures to reduce current health needs are met”. In particular, Simone said Rhode Island needed “faster turnaround time for PCR tests, in-house free testing materials for small businesses, improved access to booster shots and nationwide test-to-stay options in our schools.”
Bally’s, which owns Lincoln’s Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino, said they “support” the governor’s decision and were made aware of it early on, according to company spokeswoman Patti Doyle.
Chris Parisi, owner of Trailblaze Marketing and head of the Rhode Island Small Business Coalition, said small business owners have “struggled tirelessly for the past two years, and now is no time to give up. We will overcome this short-term hurdle and are confident that we will have a strong year together in 2022. “
Edward Fitzpatrick of the Globe team contributed to this report.
Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @alexagagosz. Brian Amaral can be reached at brian.amaral@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @ bamaral44.