coronavirus in Rhode Island

Governor Raimondo and the Department of Health held their daily COVID-19 press briefing today at 1 pm.

YouTube video

Scroll down for updates from the press briefing.

The Latest Data

May 8th: 249 new positive cases (total positive cases now 10,779), 11 new fatalities (total now 399), 312 are currently hospitalized, 71 are currently in ICU, 52 are currently on a ventilator.

Press Briefing Updates

Gov: Press briefing will be at 1 pm tomorrow, taped on Sunday and beginning next week press briefings will be held five days a week (weekends off unless there’s something important to share).

Gov: Rhode Island will be the first state to lift the Stay At Home Order when it lifts tomorrow. “At this point, if you look at the data we’re doing better and in a better position to lift our restrictions sooner.”

Gov: Even though Stay At Home Order is being lifted there are still guidelines, five people or less, must wear masks, etc.

Gov: Later today will sign Executive Order that outlines rules of Phase I reopening. More info and details now available on reopeningri.com.

Gov: Later in phase I and as soon as it’s practical she will allow restaurants to open for limited outdoor dining.

Gov: To businesses – We need, expect, and want compliance of rules and restrictions. “Do the right thing”.

Gov: On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, highlights the 1,000 member of the RI National Guard are deployed to help in the response to the outbreak.

Director of Health – On 11 new associated deaths, 2 in 50s, 6 in 70s, 2 in 80s, 1 in 90s. These 11 people included one person from Rhode Island Veterans home (3 have now died there).

Director: Reminds Rhode Islanders on the importance of wearing cloth face masks.

Director: Think of creative ways to celebrate Mother’s Day. Now’s not the time to visit the sick or those who are in hospitals or nursing homes. Connect by phone or video.

What’s Up Newp Asked

Gov. – Hotel & bed & breakfasts tell us that they desperately need some guidance on when they can open upreservations to domestic travel customers. To reopen, they say they need several weeks’ notice to build upreservations, bring back staff, & to prepare. Can you commit to a date todaythat the lodging industry can look to so they can begin planning their reopening?

Gov. says she can’t commit to date now, but it’s top of her list for beginning of phase 2, along with restaurants dining. Finding funding to support this industry is also at the top of her mind.

Post Press Briefing Press Release

Raimondo Signs Executive Order Officially Lifting Stay-At-Home Order,

Gives RIDOH Authority to Enforce Public Health Directives 

Governor Gina M. Raimondo today signed an executive order officially lifting Rhode Island’s stay-at-home order. The order gives the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) the ability to enforce public health guidelines and business regulations, including by levying fines against individuals or businesses.  

COVID-19 Data Update 

RIDOH announced 249 new cases of COVID-19 today. This brings Rhode Island’s case count to 10,779. RIDOH also announced 11 new COVID-19 associated fatalities. Rhode Island’s number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is now 399. A full data summary for Rhode Island is posted online.

Key messages for the public

  • Anyone who is sick should stay home and self-isolate (unless going out for testing or healthcare).
  • The people who live with that person and who have been in direct close contact with that person should self-quarantine for 14 days after the last day that that person was in isolation. Direct close contact means being within approximately 6 feet of a person for a prolonged period.
  • Help is available for people living in quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19. Visit www.RIDelivers.com [ridelivers.com] for connections to groceries, home supplies, restaurants, and mutual aid groups. People can also call 2-1-1. 
  • When people are in public, they should wear a cloth face covering. A cloth face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth. It could be sewn by hand or improvised from household items such as scarves, T-shirts, or bandanas.
  • Groups of more than five people should not be gathering. Always avoid close personal contact with other people in public.
  • Healthcare workers should not be going to work if they are sick (even with mild symptoms).
  • People who think they have COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider. Do not go directly to a healthcare facility without first calling a healthcare provider (unless you are experiencing a medical emergency).
  • People with general, non-medical questions about COVID-19 can visit www.health.ri.gov/covid, write to RIDOH.COVID19Questions@health.ri.gov, or call 401-222-8022. This is the COVID-19 Hotline that RIDOH has available to the public.
  • Everyone can help stop the spread of viruses in Rhode Island.
  • Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Stay home and do not leave your house if you are sick, unless it is for emergency medical care.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

This story is developing, check back for updates.

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