Governor Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce today announced recipients of the second round of Take It Outside grants, totaling more than $3.1 million in awards to help businesses increase outdoor activity while reducing the transmission rate of COVID-19. The awardees again include intermediary organizations such as municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, and other convening entities. The […]
Coronavirus Disease
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island runs one-millionth COVID-19 test
As Rhode Island runs its one-millionth COVID-19 test, State officials are urging Rhode Islanders to recommit to measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including getting tested whenever you are experiencing symptoms and getting tested regularly if you are eligible to participate in Rhode Island’s asymptomatic testing program. “While Rhode Island’s COVID-19 numbers are not […]
Posted inCity & Government
LIVE ON WUN: Newport City Council Workshop – COVID-19 Status Update (Oct. 21 at 4:30 pm)
Newport City Council will be meeting in remote session today at 4:30 p.m. for their regular weekly update on the City’s COVID-19 response from City Manager Joe Nicholson. This is a What’s Up Newp broadcast. To view or participate in the official meeting, click on the following link https://buff.ly/3kWawX6 or call 1-833-548-0276 and enter the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO | Governor Raimondo Press Conference (Oct. 15)
Governor Gina Raimondo held a press conference at 1 pm on Thursday, October 15 to announce additional COVID-19 guidance.
Posted inCity & Government, News
States in “red zone” for coronavirus cases grow to 26, White House says
This article was originally published by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit investigative news organization based in Washington, D.C. by Liz Essley Whyte, Center for Public Integrity October 13, 2020 The Center for Public Integrity is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates betrayals of public trust. Sign up to receive our stories. More than half of states […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Raimondo Administration announces major expansions to Restore Rhode Island Grant Program
Governor Gina Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce today announced major expansions to the Restore Rhode Island Grant Program including increasing the size of potential grant awards up to $30,000 – doubling the original grant sizes. Eligibility for the program is also being increased to allow non-profit organizations and private child care facilities that have not […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO | Governor Raimondo’s weekly COVID-19 Press Briefing
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health hosted a press briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday, October 14 to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. The Governor announced during the briefing that she will also host a press briefing at 1 pm on Thursday, October 15 to provide more updates […]
Posted inNews
Pfizer expands phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial, looks for end of year emergency authorization
One of the lead doctors associated with Pfizer’s efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine said yesterday on WBLQ’s Morning Show that Pfizer is expanding its clinical trial to include participants as young as 12, with no upper age requirement, and that the vaccine could receive emergency authorization by the end of the year. Dr. Onyema […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government, News
City of Newport | Applications now open for Take It Outside Grant Program
Newport businesses interested in applying for the City’s Take It Outside grant program are being encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible in order to secure reimbursement for the procurement of tents, propane heaters, and jersey barriers. Eligible restaurants and retailers can now apply for the program directly from the City’s website at www.CityofNewport.com/TakeItOutside. […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
LIVE ON WUN | City Council Workshop: COVID-19 Crisis Update
Newport City Council will meet virtually on Wednesday, October 7 at 4:30 pm to receive a COVID-19 Crisis Update from Newport City Manager Joe Nicholson. https://www.facebook.com/WhatsUpNewp/posts/3738532882832168
Posted inNews
LIVE ON WUN | Governor Raimondo’s weekly COVID-19 Press Briefing (Oct. 7 at 1 pm)
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department Of Health will host a press briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday, October 7 to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. https://www.facebook.com/WhatsUpNewp/posts/3737026792982777
Posted inBusiness, City & Government
$3 million awarded to municipalities, chambers of commerce, intermediary organizations to help businesses ‘Take It Outside’
Governor Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce today announced recipients of awards totaling more than $3 million to help businesses Take It Outside. The awardees, which include municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, and other intermediary organizations, will receive funds to encourage and increase outdoor commerce in an effort to reduce the transmission rate of COVID-19. The 41 […]
Posted inThings To Do
Here’s the status of major Newport County events in 2020
What’s Up Newp has compiled the following list of major events that have been postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to update this list with more events and announcements in the coming days, weeks, and months. Calendar of Events This story was last updated on September 30, 2020. Note – Newport […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
LIVE ON WUN: Newport City Council COVID-19 Crisis Update (Sept. 30)
Newport City Council will convene at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, September 30 to receive a COVID-19 crisis/status update from City Manager Joe Nicholson. What’s Up Newp will carry it live below as it happens. To participate or watch the official meeting, call 1-877-853-5247 (Meeting ID: 922 6938 0490) or join via Zoom here – https://zoom.us/j/92269380490.
Posted inCity & Government, News
LIVE ON WUN: Governor Raimondo’s Weekly COVID-19 Press Briefing (Sept. 30)
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday, September 30 to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Watch the press briefing live as it happens below or anytime afterward.
Posted inNews
New, secretive data system shaping federal pandemic response
This article was originally published by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit investigative news organization based in Washington, D.C. by Liz Essley Whyte, Center for Public Integrity September 22, 2020 The Center for Public Integrity is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates betrayals of public trust. Sign up to receive our stories.As deadly Ebola raged in Africa […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island added to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut’s travel advisory list
Rhode Island was among the states that New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut added to their travel advisory list on Tuesday. Anyone headed from Rhode Island to those states will have to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving. The news comes on the same day that Rhode Island reported 92 new positive cases (1.7% percent […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH, Providence College responding to an outbreak of COVID-19 among off-campus students
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Providence College today announced that they are responding to an outbreak of COVID-19 among off-campus students near the school. Approximately 120 cases have been identified in the last three days. RIDOH is reminding people who live in the area around Providence College (and all Rhode Islanders) to […]
Posted inNews
COVID-19 vaccines: Open source licensing could keep Big Pharma from making huge profits off taxpayer-funded research
Charles M Schweik, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Timothy Ford, University of Massachusetts Lowell An international, multi-billion-dollar race is underway to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, and progress is moving at record speed, but with nationalistic, competitive undertones. If and when an effective vaccine is invented, its production will require an unprecedented effort to vaccinate people […]
Posted inNews
Keeping coronavirus vaccines at subzero temperatures during distribution will be hard, but likely key to ending pandemic
Anna Nagurney, University of Massachusetts Amherst Just like a fresh piece of fish, vaccines are highly perishable products and must be kept at very cold, specific temperatures. The majority of COVID-19 vaccines under development – like the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines – are new RNA-based vaccines. If they get too warm or too cold they […]
Posted inCity & Government
Live on What’s Up Newp: Governor Raimondo’s COVID-19 Press Briefing
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department Of Health will host a press briefing to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island on Wednesday at 1 pm.
Posted inNews
Department of Health: COVID-19 testing program for Pre-K – 12 now open
Rhode Island’s comprehensive school testing program is now open and able to provide prompt results to any student, teacher, or staff member at any public or private Pre-K – 12 school throughout the state who needs to be tested for COVID-19, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced this morning. A test can be scheduled […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Newport locals redefine fresh with Hoist & Crane Coffee
Back in March, we chatted with Newport residents Evan Carbotti and Ingrid Adolphs of Carbotti Experiences about the pandemic’s devastating impacts on the events industry. With their normally hectic schedule severely reduced, the husband and wife team got busy with a new project – a unique farm-to-consumer coffee company that’s redefining how fresh your cup […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Commerce, Department of Health announce new “Screen and Get Away” contest
Rhode Island Commerce, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health, today announced the launch of a new “Screen and Get Away” contest to promote symptom tracking and monitoring during the COVID-19 crisis. “With just a few short steps, you can not only help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Rhode Island, but also […]
Posted inCity & Government
LIVE ON WUN: Governor Raimondo’s COVID-19 Briefing (Sept. 9)
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday, September 9th to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Watch the press briefing live below and scroll down during and/or after the press briefing for our updates from the briefing. Updates from the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Live on WUN: Governor Raimondo’s COVID-19 Briefing (Sept. 4)
Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a COVID-19 press briefing on Friday, September 4th at 1 pm to provide an update on reopening schools. Watch it live here;
Posted inCity & Government, News
Live On WUN: Governor Raimondo’s COVID-19 Briefing (Sept. 3)
Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a COVID-19 press briefing on Thursday, September 3rd at 1 pm to provide an update on reopening schools. Watch it live here;
Posted inCity & Government
Live On WUN: Governor Raimondo’s COVID-19 Briefing (Sept. 2)
Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a COVID-19 press briefing on Wednesday, September 2nd at 1 pm to provide an update on reopening schools. Today’s briefing, which is scheduled to last just fifteen minutes, is expected to focus on contact tracing and case investigation in schools.
Posted inCity & Government, News
Live on WUN: Governor Raimondo’s COVID-19 Press Briefing (Sept. 1)
Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a COVID-19 press briefing on Tuesday, September 1st at 1 pm to provide an update on reopening schools. Today’s briefing, which is scheduled to last just fifteen minutes, is expected to focus on testing.
Posted inNews
Governor Raimondo: Most Rhode Island schools can reopen for in-person learning on September 14
Today, Governor Raimondo announced during her COVID-19 press briefing that almost every school district in the state—with two exceptions: Providence and Central Falls—has achieved 5 reopening metrics and has the green light to begin to reopen for full in-person learning on September 14th. The Governor said that every school has a plan to support students […]
Posted inCity & Government
Live on WUN: Governor Raimondo COVID-19 Press Briefing (Aug. 31)
Governor Gina Raimondo will host a press briefing today at 1 pm to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Today is the big day that we expect to learn in which direction schools will go this fall. Watch live below or on our Facebook Page. See our notes from the press briefing below […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH provides COVID-19 business compliance update, five businesses in the state receive compliance orders
More than 200 businesses in sectors such as retail, fitness, and hospitality received perfect scores on their COVID-19 compliance inspections, according to Rhode Island’s COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force. The COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force is a collaboration between the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR). These inspections are intended to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Watch: A conversation with Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendant of Newport Public Schools (Aug. 24 & 31)
Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendant of Newport Public Schools, will join us for a live video interview at 3:30 pm on Monday, August 24th and at 3:30 pm on Monday, August 31st to keep us up to date with the latest information and news in regards to schools reopening on September 14th in Newport.
Posted inCity & Government
Watch: Governor Raimondo’s weekly COVID-19 update (Aug. 24)
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health hosted a press briefing on Monday at 1 pm to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island.
Posted inNews
Economic hardship from COVID-19 will hit minority seniors the most
Marc Cohen, University of Massachusetts Boston and Jane Tavares, University of Massachusetts Boston For Americans 60 and older, COVID-19 is widespread and deadly. Its economic impact could also be devastating. With a recession fast developing, much of the attention on the downturn focuses on working-age adults, but many older Americans – with less time to […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Watch: Governor Raimondo’s Weekly COVID-19 Update
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing on Wednesday at 1 pm to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island.
Posted inCity & Government
VIDEO: Newport City Council COVID-19 Crisis Update
Newport City Council received their next weekly COVID-19 Crisis Update from City Manager Joe Nicholson on Tuesday, August 18th at 4:30 pm.
Posted inCity & Government, News
Watch: Governor Raimondo’s Weekly COVID-19 Press Briefing | August 12
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday, August 12th to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. What’s Up Newp will provide updates below as the press briefing happens. Updates from press briefing Governor: Strongly recommends Rhode Islanders sign up for […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Islanders no longer have to quarantine when visiting New York and Connecticut
Connecticut and New York on Tuesday removed Rhode Island from their travel advisory lists. The two states, as well as New Jersey and Massachusetts, had originally added the Ocean State to their travel list on August 4th. This means that Rhode Islanders traveling to those states no longer have to quarantine for fourteen days upon […]
Posted inNews
10 ways to re-discover Rhode Island in August
This week’s news that neighboring states like Massachusetts and Connecticut added Rhode Island to their lists of states requiring a 14-day quarantine may have dashed some summer plans, but the bright side is that being stuck in the Ocean State during the month of August is that there are plenty of interesting and fun things […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH, RIDE release COVID-19 Outbreak Response Playbook for schools
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today released an Outbreak Response Playbook: Pre K – 12 guide today, providing district and school leaders with guidance on how to respond to various scenarios involving COVID-19 and their students, teachers, and staff. “This Playbook provides clear guidance and structure to […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor Raimondo, Dr. Fauci to discuss reopening schools during virtual forum on August 13
Governor Gina Raimondo today announced that she will be joined by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for her weekly virtual forum on reopening schools. Governor Raimondo’s office says that the conversation will take place at 3 pm on Thursday, August 13th on the Governor’s Facebook Page […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO & RECAP: Governor Raimondo COVID-19 Update | August 5
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health hosted a press briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday, August 5th to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. What’s Up Newp will carry it live, and provide updates, below as it happens. RIDOH released the following data today; Updates from the Press Briefing; […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport taking steps to increase its COVID-19 related enforcement measures
Ahead of what would have normally been one of the busiest weekends of the summer, the City of Newport today announced it is again taking steps to increase its COVID-19 related enforcement measures. Historically, the last weekend in July has marked the kickoff to the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, with the City welcoming tens […]
Posted inNews
Lifespan expands visitation at its hospitals, announces new safety precautions
Following recent guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Lifespan on Thursday announced that it has lifted some of the restrictions on visitation where feasible to allow more patients to see family and other loved ones in person during their hospital stay. “Lifespan recognizes the value of visitation in patient care and will […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO & RECAP: Governor Raimondo’s Weekly COVID-19 Press Briefing
Providence, RI – Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health hosted a press briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday, July 29th to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Press Briefing Recap Gov: Infections have climbed recently due to social gatherings and a lack of masking up. Gov. says “we’re partying […]
Posted inNews
How to understand COVID-19 numbers
It’s the middle of the summer, and the coronavirus has not gone away.When the pandemic first began, some had hoped that there’d be a lull during the summer, with the heat knocking the virus into submission, but it has continued its march across America, with outbreaks flaring across the southern and southwestern states. Arguments have […]
Posted inNews
COVID-19 testing site to open at the Rhode Island Convention Center
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that a new Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing site will open tomorrow, July 21st, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, located at 114 West Exchange Street in Providence. This site will replace the current testing site at Rhode Island College (RIC), according to RIDOH. Today is […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH: 113 Rhode Islanders recently received false positive results
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that it has been made aware by a private laboratory of 113 false positive COVID-19 test results for Rhode Islanders. This means that these 113 people were told that their results were positive when they were actually negative. Located in New York, this private laboratory is […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island to launch expanded serology testing effort
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that RIDOH will be coordinating a second, expanded round of serology testing in the coming weeks to better understand the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among people in certain high-contact professions in Rhode Island. This effort is in collaboration with the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Video & Recap: Governor Raimondo, Department of Health to provide COVID-19 update
Providence, RI – Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health hosted a press briefing at 1 pm today to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Updates From The Press Briefing Gov: To Rhode Islanders – If you let your guard down now, there will be more hospitalizations, suffering, and deaths. […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO & RECAP: Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing
Governor Raimondo and the Department of Health provided an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 1 pm on Friday, July 10th. Updates From The Press Briefing Gov: Moving forward press briefings will only take place on Wednesday’s at 1 pm. Gov: announces new effort to help people avoid eviction: a […]
Posted inCity & Government
VIDEO & RECAP: Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing – July 8 at 1 pm
Providence, RI – Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health provided an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday, July 8th. What’s Up Newp will carry it live, and provide updates, below. Gov: Next press briefing will take place on Friday at 1 pm […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport stepping up social distancing measures at Easton’s Beach
By City of Newport The City of Newport is advising beachgoers ahead of the Fourth of July weekend to follow all City and State guidelines when visiting Easton’s Beach and will be paying particular attention to individuals who are not wearing face coverings while in public. With favorable weather forecast for the holiday weekend, the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Video & Recap: Governor Raimondo’s COVID-19 Briefing | July 1
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health hosted a press briefing to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island at 1 pm on Wednesday, July 1st. RIDOH reports today 27 new positive cases of COVID-19 (total now 16,853), 6 new associated fatalities (total now 956), 69 people are currently hospitalized (11 […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Newport International Boat Show cancelled
Newport, RI – Newport Exhibition Group today confirmed with What’s Up Newp that public guidance for COVID-19 has compelled the cancellation of the 2020 Newport International Boat Show. The show was scheduled to take place September 17 through 20, 2020 at the Newport Yachting Center. Due to spikes in new cases of COVID-19 across the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Visitors to Rhode Island from 20+ states will have to quarantine or be tested beginning Tuesday
A new quarantine order for travelers from more than twenty states comes with the arrival of Phase 3 of Reopening RI on Tuesday. As many states across the country are starting to see a second wave of COVID-19, Governor Raimondo today announced during her press briefing that a quarantine order will begin for travelers on […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor Raimondo announces Phase 3 of Reopening RI will begin on June 30th
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) provided details today on the state’s response to COVID-19. After announcing that Rhode Island will move into Phase 3 on Tuesday, June 30th, Governor Raimondo laid out the following guidance for Phase 3: Social gatherings: Social gatherings […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with RI Solidarity Fund
Newport, RI – The Rhode Island Solidarity Fund has brought together 6 community-led relief efforts to offer a one-stop option for community members and foundations seeking to contribute directly to frontline relief during the Coronavirus crisis. In this conversation we’ll be joined by Christopher V. Samih-Rotondo, Director of Organizing, Development, and Communications at Direct Action […]
Posted inCity & Government
What’s Up Newp Live Stream: Governor Raimondo, RIDOH press briefing on COVID-19
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island at 1 pm on Monday, June 29th. What’s Up Newp will carry it live below and provide updates as it happens. The Latest Rhode Island Data RIDOH reports today 16 new […]
Posted inNews
Governor Raimondo, Department of Health provide COVID-19 update
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing at 1 pm on Friday, June 26th to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Scroll down for data and updates The Latest Data Updates From Press Briefing Gov: Press conferences next week are on Monday and Wednesday at […]
Posted inNews
This simple model shows the importance of wearing masks and social distancing
Jeyaraj Vadiveloo, University of Connecticut The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work. With the advent of an infectious disease outbreak, epidemiologists and public health officials quickly try to forecast deaths and infections using complex computer models. But with a brand new virus like the one that causes COVID-19, these estimates are […]
Posted inNews
Developing resilience is an important tool to help you deal with coronavirus and the surge in cases
Keith M. Bellizzi, University of Connecticut We’re all exhausted and pushed to the limit by months of social distancing, and the recent news that cases are climbing in many states is especially scary. While you may feel like ripping off your mask and heading for a bar, there are more productive ways to deal with […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor Raimondo, DOH to provide COVID-19 update | June 24
Providence, RI – Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing at 1 pm on Wednesday, June 24th to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. What’s Up Newp will carry the press briefing live, and provide updates, live below as it happens. The Latest Rhode Island […]
Posted inNews
New York Yacht Club’s 166th Annual Regatta moved to August 28-30
by Stuart Streuli, Director of Communications for New York Yacht Club The most enduring event in North American sailing got off to an inauspicious start on July 16, 1846. Beset by light air, Louis Depau’s 44-ton sloop Mist was the only one of 14 starters to finish the first race of the New York Yacht Club’s inaugural […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Watch: Governor Raimondo, Department of Health provide COVID-19 update | June 22
Providence, RI – Governor Gina Raimondo and the Department of Health will host a press briefing at 1 pm today to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. What’s Up Newp will carry it live and provide updates below. The Latest Rhode Island Data RIDOH reports today an additional 25 new positive cases (total […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
LIVE BLOG – COVID-19: The latest local updates
Please note: This story is being updated as new information comes in. Please check back for any updates. The What’s Up Newp crew will be updating this blog with the latest information and news on the coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19, and its impact on Newport County. Have an update? Email Ryan@whatsupnewp.com. COVID-19 In Rhode […]
Posted inSports
Newport Collegiate Baseball League launches
By Michael Falcone, Commissioner Summertime normally calls for hitting the beach, having cookouts with friends and family, and enjoying America’s pastime- baseball. However, this year, everything has been far from “normal”. With the official start of summer (June 20) upon us, the City of Newport and State of Rhode Island are finally beginning to get […]
Posted inNews
New program delivers fresh foods, masks, cleaning and personal care supplies to R.I. seniors, people with disabilities who are at high-risk for COVID-19
Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI), a statewide nonprofit human service organization, has launched “Be Safe Plus,” a program delivering fresh foods, masks, cleaning and personal care supplies to Rhode Island seniors, people with disabilities and their caregivers who are at high-risk for COVID-19. FSRI recruited Chubby Chickpea and “Hope & Main,” located in Warren, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Video & Recap: Governor Raimondo provides COVID-19 update, Phase 3 guidelines
Governor Raimondo and the Department of Health will provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 1 pm on Friday, June 19th. What’s Up Newp will carry it live, and provide updates, below. The Latest Data RIDOH reports an additional 68 new positive cases (total now 16,337), an additional 9 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Video & Updates: Governor Raimondo, RIDOH provide COVID-19 update | June 17
Governor Raimondo and the the Department of Health will provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 1 pm today. What’s Up Newp will carry it live below and on our Facebook Page as it happens. The Latest Rhode Island Data RIDOH reports today 49 new positive cases (total now 16,213), 11 […]
Posted inThings To Do
Touro Synagogue to reopen its grounds for tours
Touro Synagogue Foundation this week announced the reopening of the grounds of Touro Synagogue, a National Historic Site, following its closure in March. The modified 2020 Season tour schedule includes public access to the grounds and outdoor history presentations by Touro Synagogue guides. The synagogue building itself, as well as the Loeb Visitors Center, will […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO & RECAP: Newport City Council Special Meeting
Newport City Council will be hosting a Special Meeting this afternoon beginning at 4:30 pm. Proposed Budget FY 2021 and a COVID-19 Status Update are among the agenda items. This is a What’s Up Newp Live Stream. To watch or participate in the official meeting, follow these instructions; Telephone Access is available Toll Free by […]
Posted inOpinion
Op-Ed: Rep. Carson – Rhode Island needs a strategy for rebuilding tourism industry
We are now three weeks into the second phase of Rhode Island’s economic reopening, three months after COVID-19 made its way into our state. It is time for us to do better than plan for survival of the moment or the day. It is time for the creation of long-term economic recovery plans for Rhode […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Senator Whitehouse joins bipartisan call for permanent expansion of telehealth beyond COVID-19 pandemic
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) has joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and a bipartisan group of 29 senators in calling for the expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Previous COVID-related legislation allowed Medicare beneficiaries to utilize telehealth services, and freed up more types of health […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Bowen’s Wharf cancels annual Newport Chowder & Oyster Festival and Seafood Festival
Bowen’s Wharf today announced that they have cancelled the 5th Annual Newport Oyster Festival and the 30th Annual Seafood Festival, due to COVID-19. “Bowen’s Wharf regrets to announce that both the 5th Annual 2020 Newport Oyster Festival as well as our 30th Annual Seafood Festival has been canceled. Although we are saddened on this year’s […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor: Students will return to school in R.I. on August 31st, all districts will follow standardized schedule
Governor Raimondo today announced that she has set a goal to have all public schools in Rhode Island reopen on August 31st. While making the announcement, Raimondo said “health guidance and data shows it’ll be safe to open schools in Phase 3, which could start as early as next month”. The state has also released […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Watch: Governor Raimondo, RIDOH provide COVID-19 update | June 10
Governor Raimondo and the the Department of Health will provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 1 pm today. What’s Up Newp will carry it live below and on our Facebook Page as it happens. Updates from press briefing; Gov: Says she and her husband got tested for COVID-19 […]
Posted inNews
States are making it harder to sue nursing homes over the coronavirus, and that’s a bad idea
Tara Sklar, University of Arizona and Nicolas Paul Terry, IUPUI The coronavirus has devastated nursing homes across the country, killing tens of thousands of vulnerable older Americans. Nursing homes did not cause the pandemic, but poor infection control, inadequate staffing and sluggish mitigation allowed the virus to spread. Rather than hold these facilities accountable, however, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport City Council to receive COVID-19 status update
Newport City Council will receive their weekly COVID-19 status update from City Manager Joe Nicholson on Tuesday, June 9th at 4:30 pm. Update – Tom Shevlin, Communications Officer for the City of Newport, has notified What’s Up Newp that this update will take place next Tuesday and every other week moving forward. As of Monday, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 tests now available for close contact workers – even those without symptoms
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) provided details yesterday on Rhode Island’s Early Warning Testing System, which will inform the state’s immediate response efforts and inform data modeling and forecasting for the weeks and months to come. As part of the Early […]
Posted inCity & Government
Watch Live: Governor Raimondo, RIDOH provide COVID-19 update | June 8
Governor Raimondo and the the Department of Health provided an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 1 pm today. Updates from press briefing; Gov: On press briefing – will take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 pm going forward. Gov: On COVID-19 app, new update available for the […]
Posted inBusiness
Beauty industry veterans open new salon in Middletown
Now that you can make hair care appointments as part of the Phase 2 reopening, consider checking out a new local women-owned business that opened earlier this year – Kindred Hair + Beauty on East Main Road in Middletown. The salon, which began taking appointments again on June 4th, was opened by three partners who […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Watch Live: Governor Raimondo’s press briefing on COVID-19 in Rhode Island – June 5
Governor Raimondo and the the Department of Health will provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 1 pm today. What’s Up Newp will carry it live, and provide updates, below as it happens. Updates from the press briefing Gov: Yesterday was a very good day, more than 4,000 tested. […]
Posted inCity & Government
COVID-19 in Rhode Island – June 4: Daily Press Briefing & updates
Governor Raimondo and the the Department of Health will provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 1 pm today. Updates from the Press Briefing Gov: Press Briefing will take place at 1 pm on Friday. Will take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday next week at 1 pm. Gov: […]
Posted inNews
The Breakers and The Elms to reopen on June 4th, with strict health and safety precautions
By Garry Ruff, The Preservation Society of Newport County The Preservation Society of Newport County today announced that they have received final state approval to reopen the Newport Mansions to visitors under strict health precautions. Starting Thursday, June 4, The Breakers will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day with the last […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 in Rhode Island – June 3: Daily Press Briefing & updates
Governor Raimondo and the the Department of Health provided an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 2:30 pm today. Updates Gov: Notes press briefing will be held at 1 pm on Thursday and Friday, beginning next week the press briefings will only be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Gov: […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport will require pedestrians to wear masks on downtown streets beginning Friday
Newport City Council last night passed a resolution (6 -1, Leonard nay) that will begin requiring that pedestrians wear masks between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. (with the exception of young children, or if wearing a mask would be harmful to a person’s health) on the following streets: Broadway between Gould Street and […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Parking lot at Second Beach reopens on June 6th
On Saturday June 6, parking at Second Beach (aka Sachuest Beach) will reopen daily from 8:00 – 5:00 p.m, according to the Town of Middletown. Town employees will begin selling resident and non-resident seasonal parking passes on Thursday and Friday, June 4 and June 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. near the main entrance to the Second […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 in Rhode Island – June 2: Daily Press Briefing & updates
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Department of Health hosted a press briefing at 1 pm today to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Updates From Press Briefing Gov: Press conference will be at 2:30 pm tomorrow, 1 pm on Thursday and Friday. Beginning next week, conferences will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and […]
Posted inCity & Government
COVID-19 in Rhode Island – June 1: Daily Press Briefing & updates
Governor Raimondo and the Department of Health provided an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press conference at 1 pm on Monday, June 1st. Updates from Press Briefing Gov: Says “Today is a great day”, says of start to phase 2 in Rhode Island. Gyms, salons, indoor dining, state beaches all allowed to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown Public Library reopens, with restrictions
On Monday June 1st, the Middletown Library reopened to the public by appointment only. Public access hours are Monday and Wednesday 4pm-7pm; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 11am-2pm. Appointments may be made by calling (401) 846- 1573 or emailing mid.circulation@gmail.com for a time. The library will follow the revised Reopening RI guidelines for libraries posted by […]
Posted inCity & Government
All Rhode Island state beaches will open on June 1st
via Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that all Rhode Island state beaches will be open to visitors with new restrictions in place beginning next week. Getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature are great ways to relieve stress and important to public health. DEM’s Division of Parks and […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government
Guidance released for Phase II reopening of Rhode Island
Governor Raimondo and the state of Rhode Island has released a wide variety of guidance for Rhode Island businesses and sectors ahead of the start of Phase II of Reopening in Rhode Island. Governor Raimondo has said that Phase II will begin on Monday, June 1st. Phase II Guidelines For Restuarants Phase II general business/organization […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Newport County restaurants offering take-out, delivery, outdoor dining (Updating)
Tired of making lunch and dinner? Luckily, many of Newport County’s restaurants are still open and ready to serve you via takeout and delivery. Support a local business during a trying time and get some tasty food. This list is designed to let you call or order online with one tap. A very special thank […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 in Rhode Island – May 28: Daily Press Briefing & updates
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island at 1 pm on Thursday, May 28th. What’s Up Newp will carry the press briefing, and provide updates, below as it happens. This feed had a lot of technical issues today. […]
Posted inBusiness
CVS Health opens 10 new COVID-19 drive-thru test sites in Rhode Island
Building on the company’s comprehensive efforts to help slow the spread of the virus, on Friday, May 29 CVS Health will open 10 new COVID-19 test sites at select CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations across Rhode Island. These new sites will utilize self-swab tests and deliver on the company’s commitment to establish 1,000 locations across the country by the […]
Posted inCity & Government
COVID-19 in Rhode Island – May 27: Daily Press Briefing & updates
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health hosted a press briefing to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, May 27th. Updates from Press Briefing Gov: Press briefings will take place at 1 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Monday. Gov: Says observing rules on mask-wearing, distancing, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 in Rhode Island – May 26: Daily Press Briefing & updates
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health hosted a press briefing to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island at 11 am on Tuesday, May 26th. Watch: Press Briefing Updates From Press Briefing Gov: This weekend that “overwhelmingly people were out and about doing the right thing”. Says “Everything bout this […]