RI Coronavirus: Raimondo Announces Plan To Reopen State Economy

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Gina Raimondo said Saturday that although infections, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are still rising, she will begin outlining plans next week to reopen the state's economy in incremental fashion.

Raimondo predicted that Rhode Island would hit its peak for coronavirus cases in the last week of April or the first week of May.

The governor also reported 317 new cases and 19 additional deaths resulting from the new coronavirus. As of Saturday afternoon, the Rhode Island Department of Health said, the state has 4,491 confirmed cases and 137 fatalities.

The number of cases in Providence alone jumped by 127. More than 1,200 people in the city have tested positive for the virus, while the number of cases in other cities and towns continues to increase slowly.

Raimondo suggested the numbers of new cases are not increasing as rapidly as in other states.

“All of your sacrifices, the mask-wearing, staying at home, is working and saving lives," Raimondo said.

Outlining announced the process by which the state's economy can re-open, Raimonda said gardening stores and departments will be allowed to open, beginning April 27, after state officials issue new social distancing guidelines for those businesses.

The rest of the economy will reopen in phases, Raimondo said.

"Our goal is to reopen as soon as possible as is safe, with new restrictions, industry by industry and in phases," Raimondo said.

Federal Aid:

Raimondo said Rhode Island has received half its $1.25 billion share of federal aid from the stimulus package.

“Like many of you, our income is drying up, and our revenue has dried up significantly," Raimondo said.

State officials are still waiting for federal guidelines on how they can spend the money, but Raimondo said the relief package will be put to good use.

Mask Requirements For Businesses

Starting Saturday, all employees at customer-facing, office-based and manufacturing businesses, as well as non-profits that have not been shut down by the new coronavirus, will be required to wear fabric face coverings. Raimondo signed an executive order instituting this requirement Tuesday.

Such businesses should encourage customers to wear masks, too.

"It feels strange (to wear a mask)," Raimondo conceded. "It’s hard to breathe. But don’t look for ways around the rules. Look for creative ways to follow the rules"

Raimondo said state officials will begin spot checks at Rhode Island businesses. Those businesses could face fines if they are not in compliance.

Latest Coronavirus Case Numbers For RI Town-by-Town:

• Providence: 1,220
• Pawtucket: 415
• Cranston: 271
• North Providence: 253
• East Providence: 224
• Warwick: 161
• Central Falls: 134
• Woonsocket: 124
• Cumberland: 117
• Johnston: 74
• North Kingstown: 69
• Coventry: 67
• Smithfield: 60
• West Warwick: 59
• South Kingstown: 43
• Lincoln: 41
• Burrillville: 36
• Bristol: 26
• Westerly: 26
• Barrington: 24
• Newport: 22
• East Greenwich: 20
• Portsmouth: 19
• Middletown: 18
• Narragansett: 18
• Scituate: 15
• North Smithfield: 14
• Exeter: 11
• Little Compton: 9
• Warren: 9
• West Greenwich: 9
• Foster: 8
• Glocester: 8
• Charlestown: 6
• Jamestown: 6
• Richmond: 6
• Hopkinton: 5
• New Shoreham: 0

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