COVID-19 Info & Resources
The safety of meeting and convention delegates, as well as all visitors to Rhode Island, is of the utmost importance to the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB). With the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting travel and tourism across the globe, the PWCVB continues to coordinate with elected officials, state and local health and emergency management agencies, the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Below you will find updates on Rhode Island's COVID-19 response and reopening efforts:
Reopening RI:
Rhode Island is currently in Phase III of its reopening plan, which allows for increased capacity for indoor dining with restrictions, updated limits to group gatherings, further reopening of businesses, and more. Detailed information may be found on Rhode Island Commerce's Reopening RI website.
Masks & Facial Coverings:
Governor Gina Raimondo has extended her executive order on mask wearing. Masks or face coverings must be worn, both indoors and outdoors, whenever you are with someone who is not from your household, regardless of social distance. Exceptions to this include children under two and anyone whose health would be negatively impacted by wearing a face covering. Find more info about
Travel Regulations:
Please visit the Rhode Island Department of Health's (RIDOH) website for the most up-to-date travel information. As of Oct. 23, 2020, RIDOH's website states:
RIDOH requires out-of-state visitors to complete this certificate of compliance with out-of-state travel quarantine/testing requirements and out-of-state travel screening form upon arriving in Rhode Island. Travelers will be required to provide their completed certificate of compliance to their lodging and accommodations upon check-in.
If you are traveling to Rhode Island from one of these states with a COVID-19 positivity rate of higher than 5%, you must quarantine for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms.
- As an exception, you may provide proof of a negative test for COVID-19 that was taken within the 72 hours prior to your arrival in Rhode Island.
- If you receive a test during your quarantine in Rhode Island and get a negative test result, you can stop quarantining. However, you still need to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days, wear a mask any time you’re near people who don’t live with you, and follow physical distancing guidelines.
- Quarantining for 14 days is always preferred over relying on a negative test result, as quarantining is the best way to limit the possibility of spreading COVID-19.
- RIDOH recommends that people get tested for COVID-19 in their home state, if possible. People visiting Rhode Island from out of state can find a place for asymptomatic testing in the list here. The individual being tested or their insurance would be billed for the testing. Rhode Island is not offering free testing to out-of-state travelers at this time. You must quarantine while waiting for a negative test result.
Planning To Fly Into Rhode Island?
Warwick RI's T.F. Green Airport is conveniently located just 10 minutes from Providence. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport has made the safety of its travelers a top priority. Before you travel, be sure to visit T.F. Green Airport's COVID-19 Travel Information page here to learn about current travel restrictions and airport protocols or download this helpful pdf. PDF File, which highlights what to expect while there. T.F. Green has recently implemented on-site COVID-19 rapid testing, with more info available here. For additional information about air travel in general during the time of COVID-19, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's website here.
Here are some helpful links to stay current with news about COVID-19 and its effect on the travel industry:
Rhode Island:
RI Department of Health
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
National:
Center for Disease Control
PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association)
U.S. Travel Association
Stay safe and we can't wait to welcome you to our destination soon.
