RI's Coronavirus Cases Climb; Hospitalizations Remain Low

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island saw an uptick in coronavirus cases over the last week, with the highest weekly percent positivity rate in more than a month.

Over the past week, the state's percent positivity rate doubled from 0.5 percent to 1 percent, according to the latest data from the Rhode Island Department of Health. While that's still well below the previously defined safe threshold of 5 percent or higher, it's the highest weekly percent positivity rate seen in Rhode Island since May 29, when it was 0.8 percent.

New cases per 100,000 people ticked up over the past week, as well, nearly doubling form 15 last week to 29 this week. That's also well below the safe threshold of 100 cases per 100,000 or fewer.

Hospitalizations, however, held steady, rising by just one person over the past week.

During his weekly news conference Tuesday, Gov. Dan McKee said he does not anticipate another large-scale coronavirus outbreak in the state, nor the return of statewide mask requirements or business restrictions.

"We're fortunate that still very much in control of the situation with our vaccinations," McKee said, adding that Rhode Island remains a national leader in vaccination rates.

Despite Rhode Island's high overall vaccination rate, the number of doses administered per day has steadily fallen over the past months. On May 12, more than 12,000 doses were given out in a single day, compared to just 481 on Monday.

"Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is a way to keep yourself and your loved ones healthier and safer, and a way to support the critical network of non-profit organizations that have been doing so much for Rhode Islanders since day one of this pandemic," Alexander-Scott said when the state reached the latest vaccine initiative milestone. "It's never been easier to get a shot. If you have not been vaccinated yet, do your part and get vaccinated today."