Coronavirus In RI: Gov. Raimondo Says No Shelter-In-Place Planned

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo said during her Thursday press conference that there are no plans "at this time" for a shelter-in-place order in Rhode Island. Gov. Raimondo said the move would be "truly crushing" to the economy.

Gov. Raimondo followed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's statement Thursday that the hope is to avoid the drastic measure in place in San Francisco, despite announcing 11 more positive tests for coronavirus in the state on Thursday.

"I am not planning to do that," Gov. Raimondo said of the shelter-in-place. "I don't want to do that. That would be truly crushing to our economy."

She added: "We are working for the best and are planning for the worst. But for that to work we need the help of everybody."

Gov. Raimondo said those efforts include adhering to the state's recommendations on limiting gatherings to 25 people or less, staying at home when possible and working remotely.

"It's hard to stay home," Gov. Raimondo said. "It's difficult to get work done in the house. ... We pay now or we pay later. Right now, the price we pay is way lower."

The 11 new positive tests bring the state total to 44 since March 11. RI Health Department Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott said one of the 11 new positive patients is in the hospital, and some of the have a travel history to New York and Utah. Dr. Scott said testing now is geared toward hospitalized patients, nursing home patients, emergency and healthcare workers due to a lack of testing supplies, specifically the swabs needed for tests.

Gov. Raimondo reiterated that nursing home visitation is prohibited to protect the most vulnerable members of the population.

She also called out those responsible for price gouging, which she said she has received reports about happening from the Attorney General's office.

"It's not right and it's illegal," Gov. Raimondo said.

She said she wants to be "very reassuring with a lot of confidence" that banks across Rhode Island have a lot of cash and capital, and will remain operational. She asked that those who have to use a bank in person use an ATM, if possible, or make an appointment if you need to see a teller.

She also said the Rhode Island Supreme Court has shut the courts until April 17 for any adjudication of any evictions. She said of even those who have received an eviction notice from their landlord: "Do not worry about it."

The state may soon identify where in the state positive tests are occurring. Dr. Scott said that has not happened yet due to the desire to protect the privacy of patients, but as there are more expected positive tests the state could soon identify locations first through county of residence, and then possibly community of residence.

"We understand other states have done that and that people are interested in that in Rhode Island," Dr. Scott said.

Gov. Raimondo said there will be "certain metrics" she will need to hit before she begins to relax the gathering restrictions, and closures to bars, restaurants and schools.

"That's when we start to think about getting back to a more normal lifestyle," she said. "The speed of doing that is determined by what you do in the next couple of weeks."

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