Rhode Island releases phase two guidelines for indoor dining

Rhode Island on Thursday released guidelines for indoor dining, which can start in phase two on Monday.

The state said the following changes will happen with the start of phase two:

• A restaurant's indoor dining capacity is limited to 50% of its regular seating capacity.
• No more than eight people are allowed at a single table.
• There will be no standing service with the exception of food pick-up.
• Reservations are strongly recommended.
  
• Condiments must be in single-serving packets.
• Menus must be disposable, digital or written on a board.
• All self-service food stations are prohibited.
• Self-service drink refills are not allowed.
  
• Live performances are allowed, provided that there is 14 feet of physical distance between performers and from tables and high-traffic areas.

Tables must be spaced at least 8 feet apart from table edge to table edge or to allow 6-foot spacing between seated customers at different tables.

Customers must wear face masks when entering and exiting the establishment, when in a common area, or when walking within or through the restaurant.

State officials said masks can be removed when dining.

Restaurants must also continue to gather contact tracing information from at least one member of each party and employees must keep a work log.

Outdoor dining was allowed as of May 18 in Rhode Island.