RI Coronavirus Update: 3rd Death, Quarantine Expanded

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Gina Raimondo on Sunday announced the state's third death due to the new coronavirus and expanded her order requiring anyone coming in from New York to self-quarantine for 14 days. The order now applies to anyone coming in from out of state.

"Two days ago, losing track of time, I did an executive order with respect to New York," Raimondo said in a news conference. "Yesterday morning I did an executive order superseding that applying to all coming in from any state ... all visitors, by any state, by any mode of transportation who are coming to Rhode Island for any non-work purposes and are planning to say."

Raimondo's came under fire when New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo threatened to sue Rhode Island. He called the mandatory quarantine "absurd" and questioned the legality of using police and state troopers to enforce it.

Raimondo said she spoke with Cuomo Saturday.

"We chatted about it after I had made the order (applying to all travelers, not just New York)," Raimondo said. "If it's important to him that he takes credit for it, he can. I am focused on protecting the people of Rhode Island."

Raimondo also said Cuomo is welcome to sue if he wants, but said she's on firm legal ground.

With Raimondo's new order, New York will not be singled out. National Guard members will patrol airports, train stations and bus stops and Rhode Island State Police Col. James Manni said troopers will be stationed at the southern border with Connecticut.

"All out-of-state passenger vehicles will be required to stop at one of the information stations," Manni said. "It will not just be New York plates. It will be all interstate passenger plates.

"If an out-of-state vehicle does not stop at the first information station that they pass they will be pulled over by State Police and told to stop at the second information station. We have clear authority on this that this is not in violation of any constitutional rights."

Fifty-five new coronavirus cases were announced Sunday, bringing the total to 294. Thirty-five have been hospitalized and three people have died.

Raimondo ordered all nonessential retail businesses and child care facilities to close effective Monday. She said the order doesn't include restaurants and manufacturing facilities. Child care facilities will remain closed until at least April 4.

"I can't stand here today and tell you it is safe to keep child care facilities open," Raimondo said.

Raimondo said the closures will be examined every week and altered if necessary.