Coronavirus In RI: National Guard Activated, 10 New Cases

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island National Guard has been fully activated to help with the response to the new coronavirus in Rhode Island, Governor Gina Raimondo announced Friday. At this time, she reiterated, there is no plan to implement a lockdown or shelter in place statewide, she said, saying it would be devastating to the economy.

"It's not something that's in our current planning," Raimondo said, adding that every decision made needs a balance, and the state must maintain "some semblance of an economy."

In order to prevent the need for a lockdown, Raimondo urged all Rhode Islanders to follow all guidelines set forth by the state, staying at home as much as possible and only going out when it's essential to do so. The better residents follow these directives, the less likely it will be that a shelter in place will be necessary, she said, and the sooner the economy will be able to start to reopen.

"We're more serious about this than ever," Raimondo said.

Following in the footsteps of the federal government, Raimondo said the state tax deadlines has been pushed to July 15. Anyone who can afford to pay their taxes by the original April deadline is strongly encouraged to do so to help pay for the lifesaving services the state government is providing.

There are 10 new cases in the state Friday, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the Director of Health at the Rhode Island Department of Health, said, bringing the total number of cases to 54. Of the new cases, four are female and six are male, ranging in age from a minor to someone in their 70s. All are recovering at home, she said.

Dr. Alexander-Scott also reiterated the importance of staying home as much as possible, especially avoiding crowds with 10 people or more.

The governor said she is looking into "all options" when it comes to helping businesses during this time, including exploring whether she is able to allow alcohol to be available with takeout orders through executive action. While a lot of focus remains on what cannot happen at this time, Raimondo encouraged businesses to reach out to her office with creative ideas for what can be done to help during this "unprecedented" time.

"This is an unbelievable crisis. None of us has ever dealt with anything like this," she said.

Heading into the weekend, Raimondo pleaded with all residents to resist the urge to go out or spend time in groups.

"I need you to hunker down this weekend and do what you need to do," she said. "This weekend could be the most important weekend in this entire fight. We are so close to putting a lid on this. Hang in there with us."

In a similar vein, she said that there are no restrictions on trucks coming across state lines with groceries, and again asked residents to avoid panic buying, which deprives others of the supplies they need.

"We all need toilet paper, we all need something to eat," she said. "Buy what you need and have the confidence that there will be more available when you need it."