Block Island's Town Council voted Monday night to recommend that masks be worn indoors in public settings. Though the Town of New Shoreham has some of the lowest infection numbers in the state, Rhode Island's Department of Health announced Monday that the state overall is currently experiencing "high transmission" of the coronavirus, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This time of year, Block Island is overwhelmed with tourists from all over the country and elsewhere," the resolution notes. The vote followed an extended debate about whether the resolution language should state that visitors "should" wear masks or "are requested to" wear masks. Council members ultimately opted for the latter, saying that the goal was to follow CDC guidance in issuing a recommendation rather than a firm requirement.