In the past week, approximately 100,000 people were tested in Rhode Island, but wait times and demand are quickly piling up.
If Rhode Islanders do not comply, a long-term lockdown will be needed, Gov. Gina Raimondo said.
The state reported nearly 1,300 new cases of COVID-19, while hospitalizations hit a six-month high.
"It is time that we do more to protect our community," Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said.
All three of the state's weekly data trends have exceeded safe thresholds.
Pfizer selected four states to help develop and refine its plan for nationwide distribution of a coronavirus vaccine.
The Rhode Island Department of Health is taking steps to address long lines and high demand for coronavirus tests.
If the most recent developments of a promising vaccine prove effective, the most vulnerable residents could receive one by the new year.
"We need you now," Gov. Gina Raimondo said to part-time, semi-retired and out-of-state health care workers.
At the current rate, the state is expected to open its field hospital in Cranston within approximately three weeks.
This is the second time Rhode Island has reported more than 900 new coronavirus cases in a day.
For two days in a row, the state has broken its daily coronavirus cases record.
The latest weekly data trends show 228 new hospitalizations, which exceeds the safe threshold of 210.
Rhode Island has surpassed 38,000 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began.
After two consecutive record days, the state has now had 36,380 confirmed cases of the virus.
The Department of Health encouraged no visitation in hospitals and only "compassionate care" visits in nursing homes for the next 2 weeks.
Gov. Gina Raimondo announced seven new restrictions aimed at clamping down on the spread of the coronavirus.
Gov. Gina Raimondo is expected to announce a second round of regulations at her 1 p.m. news conference.
No visitors will be allowed into Lifespan Hospitals, with some limited exceptions, for the time being.
This is the highest percent positive rate the state has reported in months.
"If the trend goes on for another week or two ... it's back to shutdown," Gov. Gina Raimondo said.
Gov. Gina Raimondo will announce the changes at a news conference at 1 p.m.
July saw the highest number of overdose deaths in the state since data was first collected.
More restrictions and a possible return to Phase 2 of reopening are on the table, the governor said.
The new weekly data shows 242 cases per 100,000 people, more than twice the state's safe threshold of 100 cases per 100,000 people.
The high numbers come after the state saw its highest single-day case numbers last week.
State officials are urging residents to take steps now to prevent a widespread outbreak heading into the holiday season.
Rhode Islanders are now asked to wear a mask any time they're with anyone who is not in their immediate household.
Compared to this time last year, overdose deaths are up 24 percent, and opioid-involved overdose deaths rose 33 percent.
The state's coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and positive test rates are all on the rise.
Rhode Islanders are encouraged to avoid all contact with the water.
"I'm not inclined to do any [more] changes until we have a vaccine," Gov. Gina Raimondo said in an interview.
Students are reminded to stay in their pods, which should consist of five people or fewer.
Mask-wearing is important, especially in informal gathering spaces, said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott.
"We're not going to get a vaccine out to the people of Rhode Island until it's ready," Gov. Gina Raimondo said.
Certain smoothies, juices and other products are being investigated over concerns of improper handling.
The North Kingstown and Providence sites will close, while Cranston's will remain at the ready.
The Rhode Island Department of Health is pushing for across-the-board flu vaccinations this year.
The total hospitalizations are still well below the state's threshold of safety, and the other 2 indicators were lower than the week before.
The public is urged to avoid contact with these bodies of water until further notice.