Coronavirus Disease

Smithfield, Rhode Island – Honeywell today announced that it will immediately expand its manufacturing operations in Smithfield to produce N95 face masks in support of the U.S. government’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Honeywell is ramping up operations to produce millions of N95 disposable respirators to help support the need for critical safety equipment. “We […]

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH will provide updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response on Monday, March 23rd, at 1 p.m. What’s Up Newp will bring the conference to you live here at that time. Updates as they happen (refresh page for the latest) […]

The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles has announced an appointment only schedule starting tomorrow (Monday), with only its Cranston office at 600 New London Ave. open. Paul Grimaldi, a spokesman for the department, said they will take no walk-ins, and reservations are full for tomorrow (Monday). He expects the policy to remain in effect […]

Governor Gina M. Raimondo today made several announcements about the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. But first the numbers; Number of Rhode Island COVID-19 positive (including presumptive positive) cases: 83Bristol County: 6Kent County: 7Newport County: 9Providence County: 52Washington County: 9Number of people who had negative test results: 932Number of people for whom […]

via RIDHS The RI Department of Human Services (DHS) is committed to helping its customers get the resources they need while the State responds to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). If more is needed beyond what can be received with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance benefits, here are other options for vulnerable populations: For families […]

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH provided updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today at 1 p.m. Updates as they happen (hit refresh for latest updates); Governor says that at this time she has no plans to order a statewide Shelter in Place. But, […]

In light of current concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Office of The City Manager announced this morning that all City Offices will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 23. “While City Hall had previously been limited to essential city business only for the last week, beginning Monday, City offices will be available strictly by phone, email, or on a […]

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today made several important announcements about the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. As What’s Up Newp reported earlier today, the Governor began the press conference by announcing there are 11 new positive cases of coronavirus in Rhode Island since yesterday. […]

Cox Communications has informed the City of Newport that it is boosting bandwidth and making public Wifi hotspots free to use to anyone who needs it during the COVID-19 outbreak. To use – simply create a username, log-in, and surf the web from any one of the wireless hotspots located around the City. Not sure […]

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH will provide updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response tomorrow, Thursday, March 19th, at 1 pm. What’s Up Newp will bring you the press conference live here at 1 pm. Live updates from press conference (refresh for updates); Governor […]

The following was written by Tom Shevlin, Communicaitons Officer for the City of Newport. The Department of Utilities  is urging all  residents in Newport to refrain from flushing disinfectant wipes – including those labeled “flushable” – and instead, to dispose of them in the trash. Today we experienced two (2) sewer pump stations getting clogged as […]

Newport Mental Health announced today that they will remain open during the Coronavirus pandemic and is working with state officials to implement telehealth consultations for therapy sessions via audio or video communication.  “Newport Mental Health remains a frontline healthcare provider. We need everyone to know we’re open. We just ask that they call first. Our […]

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today made several important announcements about the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Schools: The next two weeks—from Monday, March 23rd through Friday April 3—will be distance learning weeks for all public schools in Rhode Island. During this time, school buildings will […]

Please note: This story is being updated as new information comes in. Please check back for any updates.  Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH provides updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Video Takeaways from press conference; 33 positive case of coronavirus in Rhode Island. Up […]

The following was written by National Grid. National Grid is directing $500,000 to support customers affected by the health impacts, financial hardships and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will provide immediate relief to families and individuals in need and bolster efforts by local organizations to assist communities across Massachusetts, New York and […]

The following press release was received from Marcin Rembisz, Communications Coordinator/Secretary for Newport Public Schools, this evening. PRESS RELEASE  For Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18th Dear Newport Public School Families, On Thursday and Friday of this week, Chromebooks will be issued to all grade 2-8 students that do not have access to a device to […]

via RIDOH Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today announced that several local and national organizations are offering free services to Rhode Islanders during the coronavirus public health crisis.  The Rhode Island Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island have launched a fund to support local nonprofit organizations on the front line of […]

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH will provide updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today, Tuesday, March 17th, at 1 p.m. in Conference Room 2A at the Department of Administration. Quick updates coming out of press conference (being updated); Governor announces two new cases […]

via Department of Revenue DMV satellite offices in Middletown, Wakefield, Warren, Westerly and Woonsocket are closed through at least Friday, March 20. All licensing road tests are cancelled for this week. The Cranston DMV has halted services for personal driver licenses, state IDs, and registration services through Friday, March 20. The DMV has extended driver […]

With states taking actions such as closing bars and restaurants or banning large gatherings to fight the spread of the coronavirus, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Most Aggressive States Against the Coronavirus. To identify which states are taking the largest actions to combat coronavirus, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the […]

The following was written and submitted by Tom Shevlin, Communications Officer for the City of Newport. Seeking to limit the potential spread of COVID-19, the City of Newport announced on Monday that City Hall and offices will remain fully staffed, however with limited in-person services in place for the remainder of the month. Once again, […]

The Town of Portsmouth declared a state of emergency on Monday, joining Newport and other communities across Rhode Island. Here’s is the executive order, which was signed by Town Council President Kevin Aguiar;

Full Press Release From RIDOH Restaurants and Bars to Offer Delivery and Take-Out Only, Gatherings Limited to 25 People One additional case of COVID-19 in Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today announced that, effective tomorrow and continuing through March 30th, there will be no on-premise food […]

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH provided updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today at 10 am in Conference Room 2A at the Department of Administration. So far the Governor has announced; Effective tomorrow (March 17th) thru March 30th, all dine-in food/beverage services at […]

Newport Public Schools posted the following update on Facebook on Sunday evening. One of the most important things to note is, “Beginning Monday, March 16th, Grab and Go meals for lunch and breakfast will be available and will run Monday-Friday from 12-1 at Pell Elementary School and 12:30-1:30 at the Martin Luther King Center throughout […]

via RIDOH Governor Gina M. Raimondo today announced new guidance directing all child care centers in Rhode Island to close, effective tomorrow. She also announced that the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has been working with local school districts to make “grab and go” meals available to students who need them while schools are […]

The following was provided by the City of Newport. The City of Newport has declared a State of Emergency in order to more effectively address the threat presented by the COVID-19 virus. The declaration, which was signed into effect by City Manager Joseph J. Nicholson, Jr. on Sunday, follows a recommendation from Gov. Gina Raimondo […]

Mayor Jamie Bova shared the following update to her email subscribers on Sunday; The COVID-19 response is continually evolving.  Please do your part to help by staying home. Public health and safety is this Council’s top priority.  In the immediate future, this means doing everything possible to “flatten the curve” and limit the spread of […]

The following info has been provided by Rhode Island Department Of Health (RIDOH). New Insurance Initiatives Announced as Part of COVID-19 Response Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced today that new guidance has been issued to health insurers related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and that HealthSource RI is opening a special enrollment period to allow Rhode […]

The following information was provided by Rhode Island Department Of Health (RIDOH) today; As Rhode Island continues to respond to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced a set of broad measures today intended to limit or prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Rhode Island. These measures pertain to schools, nursing homes, and […]

The following was submitted by Tom Shevlin, Communications Officer for the City of Newport. The City of Newport on Friday announced new measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, including stepped up enforcement of large gatherings as State health officials urged municipalities to plan for the worst, but work toward to the best. In a […]

Newport Mayor Jamie Bova, informed of Providence’s declaration of a state of emergency, said Newport might consider some of the same restrictions that Providence is enacting as the nation continues to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said the city is revoking all event entertainment licenses — for night clubs, concerts, and […]

Update to original story; Original Story A student at Middletown’s Gaudet Middle School is in self-quarantine after being tested for coronavirus. The Middletown School Department sent the following letter via email to parents and staff on Wednesday. This story is developing and will be updated as more information is received.

Maureen Ferran, Rochester Institute of Technology The U.S. government is fighting to contain and slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Testing is central to these efforts. Molecular biologist and viral researcher Maureen Ferran answers some basic questions about how these diagnostic tests work – and if there are enough to go around. Who gets […]

After receiving further direction from the Governor’s Office and the Rhode Island Department of Health, the City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to cancel this Saturday’s 64th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Original Story After receiving further direction from the Governor’s Office and the Rhode Island Department of Health, the City of Newport has issued a press […]

As a part of on-going efforts to limit or prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Rhode Island, Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), issued updated guidance today regarding large events. This guidance is in line with the latest guidance from the […]

Update – Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus disease concerns Update – City Of Newport: Council expected to vote to cancel Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health plans on offering guidance on upcoming large, organized events to municipalities and organizers this afternoon. That update […]

Update – Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus disease concerns As the state was reporting its fourth and fifth cases of the coronavirus, soon after the governor declared a state of emergency, and while cities and towns across the country were canceling or postponing large celebrations, the Newport City Council voted 4 to […]

This story was originally published at 10:24 pm on Monday. It has been updated. Update – Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus disease concerns Editor’s Note City Council voted 4 to 3 last night to not pull the parade permit for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in light of the coronavirus outbreak and […]

Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced in a press conference this afternoon that today she has signed a declaration creating a State of Emergency in Rhode Island, allowing the State to access additional resources to supplement its robust response to COVID-19. In addition, today the Governor, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), and Rhode […]