In a COVID-19 update, Gov. Gina Raimondo provides an update on summer camp openings.
Gov. Gina Raimondo on Thursday provided further guidelines on the opening of summer camps in Rhode Island.
Raimondo announced last week that camps would be allowed to reopen with restrictions on June 29.
On Thursday, the governor said camps must submit a COVID-19 control plan to the Rhode Island Department of Human Services before being allowed to reopen.
Among the guidelines camps must follow will be that children must be kept in groups of 15 and in the same groups. Adults will be required to wear masks and children "when appropriate."
Camps will also have to screen kids every day to make sure they are not sick, the governor said.
"It's not going to look like the way it did last summer," Raimondo said. "It's going to be great, it's going to be fun."
A full list of camp guidelines will be on the Reopening RI website.
"If camp is open, you should be confident sending your children," Raimondo said.
As of Thursday, the state had reported state health officials reported 18 new coronavirus-related deaths for a total of 556. There were 189 new cases of the virus for a total of 13,571 cases statewide.
Looking ahead to Memorial Day weekend, Raimondo was urging residents to get out and enjoy the nice weather but also reminding them to do so responsibly. There is no change to Rhode Island's travel policy so if anyone travels out of the state this weekend, they must self-quarantine for 14 days, Raimondo said.
Earlier in the week, Raimondo announced that East Matunuck and Scarborough state beaches, as well as state parks, would reopen in time for Memorial Day with restrictions in place.
At both beaches, there will be limited parking spots, no lifeguards on duty, no concessions and no access to bathrooms or changing rooms, she said. On the plus side, visitors to the beaches will not have to pay.
Raimondo is also reminding residents that the limit on social gatherings is still 5.
Thursday's scheduled remarks come as the state cautiously moves to reopen its economy amid the global pandemic.
On Wednesday, Raimondo said places of worship are scheduled to reopen at 25% capacity and with restrictions in place by the end of the month.
