Masks, Disinfectant Available For RI's Small Businesses

PROVIDENCE, RI — Half of a million face masks will be available to small businesses that need them starting next week, Gov. Gina Raimondo told business owners Wednesday. Teh state is working to ensure that those hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic have the resources they need to safely reopen.

Businesses with 50 employees or fewer can apply for free masks and disinfectant. This includes retailers, restaurants manufacturers and more, Raimondo said, if they open or in the process of reopening. In order to qualify, business owners must prove that they have completed their COVID-19 response plan, which are due by Monday. The supplies can be picked up from certain community organizations next week, and more information is available on the commerce department's website. Businesses can also receive vouchers for free cleaning supplies from Ocean State Job Lot stores.

"[These measures] are designed to help you out in simple but important ways," Raimondo said. "This is no small feat."

Some businesses have expressed interest in expanding or launching online service but do not have the infrastructure available to do so, Raimondo said. To help them succeed, Microsoft has agreed to donate 500 laptops to the smallest businesses — those with 25 employees or fewer. Applications for this program can be completed on the commerce department's website as well and are due by May 26. The governor also reminded business owners that free technical assistance and coaching is available to those who need it by calling 521-HELP.

"We couldn't be doing what we're doing without [our community business organizations]," Raimondo added, thanking chambers of commerce and other organizations that help advocate for and connect businesses with the assistance they need during this challenging time.

To help bridge the learning gap for students who do not have access to the internet at home, Microsoft also agreed to donate an additional 500 laptops to students who need them for distance learning. The machines will be distributed to schools and districts they need them, including colleges.

Testing

Increasing testing, especially in certain areas, continues to be a major focus, Raimondo said. Without the ability to quickly identify positive cases, the state will not be able to get ahead of outbreaks, she continued.

"Testing won't prevent someone from getting sick, but it will help us keep a lid on the virus by knowing who is sick and who they've been in contact with," Raimondo said.

In particular, the Rhode Island Department of Health is focusing on the hardest hit communities: areas with high population density and often low-income residents.

"The positive rate in these hardest-hit communities...is high, which means we have to do more testing," Raimondo said.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention set a benchmark of having positive COVID-19 cases in less than 10 percent of the population, Raimondo sad. While the state has hit this goal as a whole, several communities such as Central Falls are well above this figure. To combat this, the department is increasing the number of testing sites, including walk-up testing locations in areas where many people do not have their own vehicle.

To those who are afraid of getting tested, Raimondo assured that the process is safe, fast and secure. Tests are free of charge and do not require disclosure of immigration status, she said.

"Please, please, please get tested," Raimondo said.

More information about testing sites and other support services is available through a program called The Point by calling 401-462-4444.

To be in a good place to continue reopening, Rhode Island must be able to do the following, Raimondo said:

1. Test everyone who has symptoms within 24 hours.
2. Respond to outbreaks at congregate care facilities, workplaces and more within four hours using mobile testing units.
3. Conduct frequent random testing of asymptomatic Rhode Islanders to get an idea of where the virus is most prevalent.

These approaches will help the state stay ahead of future outbreaks and prevent the need for another complete lockdown, Raimondo said, "so we never again get behind."