2 New Cases Of Coronavirus Reported In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — There are two new cases of the new coronavirus in Rhode Island, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Tuesday afternoon. She also announced several policies that have been implemented to help affected businesses, as well, and several new recommendations for dental offices, funerals and more were announced.

When it comes to the possible extension of school closures Raimondo said she now expects a decision on school closures on Wednesday. She asked local superintendents to avoid making individual decisions on extending closures, saying it will be more effective to make a statewide decision rather than many on the community level.

The two new cases are a woman in her 40s and a man in his 50s. Both are recovering at home, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the Director of Health at the Rhode Island Department of Health, said. The man recently traveled extensively, including to Europe, while the origin of the woman's transmission has not yet been identified.

Tuesday's additional cases bring the total number of positive or presumed positive cases to 23. There have been 403 negative tests, and approximately 3,000 people are currently under self-quarantine in the state.

Alexander-Scott also announced several new recommendations, such as closing dental offices to all non-emergency services for the next 21 days, and reminding residents that the 25-person gathering limit applies to funeral services. While it is natural to want to gather together to grieve, she said, it's important to follow health guidelines.

"This guidance is about keeping the other loved ones in your life safe," Alexander-Scott said, adding that the elderly, in particular, and anyone who is sick must stay home from these events, and encouraging "creative" approaches such as live-streaming services for those who cannot attend.

She also reminded Rhode Islanders to avoid calling 911 except in the case of a real, life-threatening emergency. Unnecessary 911 calls put a strain on the healthcare system, Alexander-Scott said, and depletes the supply of protective equipment available to emergency responders.

The governor praised residents, particularly healthcare workers and others "on the front lines," for following guidance and working together during this hard time.

"Rhode Islanders are being amazing right now," she said. "I see it every day. Neighbors helping one another, restaurants doing the right thing and closing...now is the time. I want to thank each and every one of you."

Employers who have not yet transitioned to remote work are asked to do so. Raimondo announced that all Rhode Island employers, regardless of business size, can access Microsoft Office 365 for free for the next six months.

On Monday, the state applied for a disaster declaration from the federal Small Business Administration. That application was approved, she said, and business owners can now apply for interest-free loans to help cover operating costs.

In addition, the United Way and Rhode Island Foundation have launched a recovery fund, already raising $1.5 million to be distributed to local non-profits and agencies helping the poor, homeless and other at-risk populations. Any businesses or individuals who are able to donate are encouraged to do so, and can learn more by reaching out to the United Way or the Rhode Island Foundation.

Addressing the issue of finances, Raimondo encouraged cities and towns to extend deadlines for taxes if they can afford to do so. In addition, she said she is in near-constant communication with Rhode Island's congressional delegation, pushing for more federal funding to pay for protective equipment and to replenish unemployment insurance funds.

This week, most Rhode Islanders received their census mailers. While state officials, including the Department of Health, have been underscoring its importance for months, this crisis is a reminder of why it's so important to be counted, Alexander-Scott said. What seemed like an abstract issue before is now real, since the department is using previous census data for disease planning and modeling.

"This is exactly why the census is so important," the director said. "Everyone must be counted."

At this time, there is no plan to postpone the state's April 28 presidential primary, Raimondo said.

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