Coronavirus In RI: 220 New Cases, 5 More Deaths

PROVIDENCE, RI — Cases of the new coronavirus grew by 220 in Rhode Island Wednesday, bringing the total to 1,450. Five more people died and 143 people are currently hospitalized.

According to Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, director of the state Department of Health, three of the victims were in their 70s, one was in their 80s and the other was in their 90s. The victim in their 90s was a resident at Golden Crest Nursing Centre in North Providence, while the person in their 80s and one of the people in their 70s were residents at Oak Hill nursing home in Pawtucket.

Gov. Gina Raimondo said that for the state to begin to reopen its economy and for people to return to work, the state's contact tracing system must be bolstered. Currently, all tracing is done by hand by employees at the state Department of Health. When a person gets sick, the department reaches out to everyone they have been in close contact with recently so they can quarantine for 14 days. It's a laborious process that must be made more efficient, she said.

To that end, the state partnered with Salesforce to develop online contact tracing software. Ideally, she said the system could be up and running within the next few weeks. It will integrate and automate symptom monitoring, test appointments and contact tracing.

In the meantime, Raimonda said all Rhode Islanders are reminded to write down everywhere they go and everyone they come in close contact with at the end of each day, which helps streamline the contact tracing process.

Raimondo also announced that the suspension of nonessential business at the state's municipal courts will continue through May 17.

Wednesday night marks the beginning of Passover in the Jewish religion, usually a time for large family gatherings. While gatherings at homes and synagogues will not be permitted this year, the message of the story is emblematic of the current struggle the country and world faces, the governor said.

"It is a time that the Jewish people tell and retell the story of triumph and freedom over an enemy," Raimondo said. "I think that's more appropriate than ever."

This week also marks several important religious celebrations for Christians, including Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Although churches will be empty, groups are coming together virtually to worship via livestreams, "drive-in" services and more.

"Continue to worship, pray and find faith in your community, but do it safely," Raimondo said.

The same applies to Ramadan, which comes in just a few weeks. Muslims are asked to plan ahead, since mosques will be closed and large gatherings will still not be permitted, she said.

Clarifying Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza's closure of parks and other public areas, Raimondo said that while parking will be closed, anyone within walking distance will be able to go there, provided there are not gatherings of five people or more or too much crowding. This is being tested on a trial basis, she said, and the policy will be adjusted if needed.

"If you are lucky enough to live within walking distance of a park or a boulevard, then by all means, go take a walk - walk your dog," Raimonda said. "But the parking lots will be closed. We don't want you driving there. Above anything we don't want you congregating at any park."

Patch editor Scott Souza contributed to this report.

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