Coronavirus In RI: 10 New Cases, Schools Closed 2 More Weeks

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's schools will remain closed for two additional weeks, Governor Gina Raimondo announced at a press conference on Wednesday. In addition, 10 more cases of the new coronavirus have been identified in the state since Tuesday afternoon.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the Director of Health at the Rhode Island Department of Health, said that seven of the new cases are women and three are men, ranging in ages from 20s to 70s. Four are currently in the hospital, though one is expected to be discharged today.

At this time, the plan is to reopen schools on April 3. While it's "unlikely" that schools will reopen on that day, Raimondo said she is taking it "two weeks at a time," rather than promising a hard return date now.

Distance learning will be implemented starting Monday. At the end of the two weeks, the governor and the Department of Education will reassess the policy. All private and religious schools are asked to remain closed for the next two weeks as well.

"This is a tough decision, and it will be tough to implement," Raimondo said. "This is not a vacation."

Speaking directly to students, the governor said this is not an extended vacation, rather a time to continue learning from home. She encouraged students to take time this week to get themselves ready and set up a workstation in their homes. She also thanked teachers and school departments for their hard work in preparing online learning resources over the past weeks.

Students across the state have been out since last week after Raimondo moved up April vacation to help slow the spread of the virus and give districts time to create at-home learning plans.

"We're going to try a lot in the next two weeks. We're going to try it and figure it out," Raimondo said.

Parents, meanwhile, are asked to help their kids develop a schedule to get work done remotely. She acknowledged that it will be more difficult for low-income families who might not have internet access, English-language learners and developmentally disabled students. The state is "thinking really broadly and creatively" to meet these needs as soon as possible. The Rhode Island Department of Education is working with providers such as Cox to ensure than everyone in need of an internet connection can access.

"I believe in our teachers, I believe in our parents and, most of all, I believe in our students," she continued.

Districts who have not yet submitted their at-home learning plans have until Thursday to do so before at-home learning begins on Monday. Education Commissioner Angelica Anfante-Green said most districts have submitted plans, and the department is working closely with thos who have not to develop plans before the deadline.

"We need to do this together

At this time, the state is working with small and home-based daycare centers on a case-by-case basis to address the needs of parents who cannot be home with their children while school is closed.

Expanding on action taken over the weekend, Raimondo signed an additional executive order requiring all health insurance companies to pay for all medically appropriate telehealth visits, applying to all healthcare providers. Payments must be comparable to the cost for a usual office visit. The governor praised Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island for their "leadership and cooperation" during this time.

The Public Utilities Commission issued an order that all regulated utilities — gas, water and electricity — not be turned off during the pandemic for any reason other than as required for safety. In addition, Raimondo also said she called for companies to stop sending past-due notices to collection agencies. However, anyone who can pay their bills is encouraged to do so.

"Nobody should have to worry about their lights or water going off," Raimondo said.

Amid an "unprecedented" surge of unemployment insurance claims, Raimondo said the state is ready to meet the demand, adding that the fund is in excellent shape, better than during the last recession.

"We will pay them all," Raimondo said, clarifying that people who are laid off should apply from unemployment, while those who are home sick or in self-quarantine should apply for temporary disability.

In this trying time, Raimondo thanked residents for their ongoing cooperation and reminded everyone to "take a deep breath" and try not to panic.

"We're going to get through this. This is months, not weeks, but we'll get through it," she said. "Try to take care of one another."

In an effort to increase the healthcare workforce, anyone with a valid, good-faith license to practice can obtain a temporary, 90-day license to practice in Rhode Island. These licenses can be renewed once and will be expedited, with no cost for the application or renewal. In addition, all expiring licenses will continue to be valid for the next 90 days.

"We are continuing to stay a step ahead," she said. "In the future, heaving healthcare professionals who can practice in RI will be helpful."

Alexander-Scott also reminded residents that all nonemergency dental appointments should be rescheduled. Anyone with a dental emergency is asked to call their dentist's office before going in person.

In the same vein, gyms that have not already shut down are asked to do so, as they are a nonessential gathering space. While barbershops and salons are not mandated to close at this time, Rhode Islanders are asked to use their best judgement and come back later if there is a crowd.

Read more:

• Roger Williams University Extends Enrollment Deadline
• Coronavirus In Rhode Island Updates: March 17
• RI Board Of Elections Calls To Reschedule Primary: Coronavirus
• All Libraries Closed Until March 22: Coronavirus In Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Has The Best Response To Coronavirus: WalletHub
• State Of Emergency In Coventry: Coronavirus In Rhode Island
• 2 New Cases Of Coronavirus Reported In Rhode Island
• RI Communities Offer Students Meals During Coronavirus Shutdown
• Coronavirus In Rhode Island Updates: March 16
• Coronavirus In RI: In-Person Service Limited At Public Offices
• Coronavirus: Rhode Islanders Reminded Not To Flush Wipes
• Coronavirus: Rhode Island Bishop Suspends All Masses