Uptick in virus cases led to decision
Governor Gina Raimondo ordered Rhode Island businesses to close break rooms for 90 days as a result of the pandemic. This does not apply to large cafeterias. She added that if a break room cannot be closed due to contractual reasons, she would soon provide guidance from the Department of Health for employers who are required by contract to maintain a break room. This would allow those employers to maintain a break area with modifications.
The Governor explained breakrooms had created issues because employees often take their mask off and spend time with coworkers in close proximity.
