SOUTH COUNTY, RHODE ISLAND COVID-19 UPDATES:

We are currently in PHASE 3 of re-opening our state and we are excited to welcome you back to South County! Things may be a little different this summer as everyone takes precautions to avoid a second surge for COVID-19, but there is plenty of space on the beaches, and out in nature to enjoy summer in South County. We do hope you find your way back to South County this summer and we are here to answer your questions. 

UPDATE AS OF JULY 15, 2020: 

Governor Gina Raimondo has reduced the parking lot capacity of two of our beaches (Misquamicut State Beach and Scarborough State Beach) down to 25% as of July 16, 2020. This is because people were not following the rules. They were not wearing masks while walking around on the beach and while visiting the pavilion to use the restrooms or to go to the concession stands. They were not abiding by social distancing guidelines and crowding the beaches and not allowing 6 feet or more between themselves and other beach goers. The Governor has also announced that parking fines will increase significantly for those parking illegally to go to the beach.

We urge visitors to visit responsibly and to follow the rules! If you don't, the beaches will close and no one will be able to enjoy them. Please follow the rules. They are there for your safety and everyone else's.

• Wear a mask when entering or leaving the beach
• Wear a mask when walking around the beach
• Wear a mask when visiting the restrooms or concession stands at the pavilion 
• Practice social distancing by allowing at least 6 feet between you and other beach goers not in your group
• Pick up your trash and take it with you when you leave the beach

PHASE 3 UPDATES:

• Public events and venues can now have up to 125 people indoors and 250 people outdoors.
• Social gatherings are allowed to have up to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors (with licensed catering up to 100 people outdoors).
• Masks must be worn in public places and social distancing must still be practiced.
• All travelers from states with test positivity rates of more than 5% to quarantine for two weeks, unless they can show proof of testing negative for the disease within the prior 72 hours.

WHAT PHASE 2 MEANS:

• ALL state beaches are open, including concession stands and lifeguards, but at reduced capacity
• Gatherings have increased to 15 people maximum
• Hotels are opening up at their own pace, all taking extra precautions. Contact the property for details.
• 14 day quarantine for out of state visitors is lifted (unless you are coming from a place that still has a stay at home order in effect)
• Restaurants are open for indoor dining at 50% capacity - reservations are necessary, please contact each restaurant for more information
• Hair salons, nail salons and other personal care businesses are open with extra precautions
• Gyms and fitness studios will are open with extra precautions and limited capacity

More details are be available on ReopeningRI.com.

Monday, May 18, 2020 

BREAKING NEWS: Two state beaches will be open on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day) with very limited parking and no lifeguards or facilities available. The two beaches that will be open are:

East Matunuck State Beach

Scarborough Beach

Check back on Thursday for further information.

Our state is in Phase One of re-opening. What does that mean? It means state parks are open to the public, some non-essential retailers are open, restaurants are open for drive-thru, takeout, delivery and/or curbside pick-up.

You can see the list of South County restaurants open for takeout, delivery or curbside pick-up here. As of May 18th, some restaurants are opening up for outdoor dining. Reservations and face coverings are required. Please call the restaurant you're interested in dining at to check if they are open and if they have reservations available.

Hotels are beginning to re-open with enhanced measures to ensure the safety of guests and staff. However, if you are an out-of-state visitor, the Governor has not yet lifted the mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entering our state. 

The Misquamicut Drive-In Theater is open on Fridays and Saturdays and and beginning in July, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

Social distancing is mandatory.

Face coverings when out in public are mandatory.

Groups can not exceed five people at any time. 

We are closely monitoring our Governor's updates and will be posting updates here as we learn of them. We look forward to welcoming visitors back shortly, though we all must be cautious and adhere to the guidelines provided by our Governor and the CDC. 

For more comprehensive information visit reopeningri.com.