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 and then moving forward press briefings will only take place every Wednesday at 1 pm.

RIDOH reports today 41 new positive cases of COVID-19, 2 new associated fatalities, and 56 people are currently hospitalized. Guidelines will vary hospital by hospital.

Gov: On enforcement – moving forward enforcement for businesses will look different. Businesses who blatantly disregard the rules will be issued a compliance order or fine, the second time will result in a fine or shut down. Businesses with less significant issues will get a warning, second time a compliance order or fine.

Gov: New guidance for businesses at dbr.ri.gov later today. Gov. says people can also file complaints about businesses not following the rules at the link.

Gov: As of today you can visit loved ones in a hospital or care facility, with guidelines.

This story is developing and will be updated.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...