Health & Fitness
Coronavirus Hospitalizations Rise In RI Over Weekend
The RI Department of Health said Monday hospitalizations are up to 67 from 61 reported on Friday.
PROVIDENCE, RI — Two weeks after Rhode Island moved into a modified phase 3 of its reopening — opening up most businesses in the state and increasing social gathering limits — the RI Department of Health reported on Monday a minor uptick in positive tests and hospitalizations over the weekend.
The state reported 165 positive tests in recent days — including 78 on Saturday, 48 on Friday and 39 on Sunday. Hospitalizations — which Gov. Gina Raimondo said is one of the most significant factors she looks at to determine trends in the state — rose from 61 to 67.
The seven-day hospitalizations increased for the first time in more than two months.
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Gov. Raimondo expressed worries on Friday that crowds at RI's beaches continue to be a concern for the spread of coronavirus in the state. Ahead of the weekend, she urged residents and visitors to wear masks when in crowded areas and to practice social distancing, avoiding gathering in large crowds.
"Rhode Island is one of the very few states that are seeing declines," Raimondo said on Friday. "We are standing out in that we are seeing declines while other states are seeing increases.... But that can change in the blink of an eye."
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She said Friday that, while she had no plans to close the beaches at that point, she would consider it if problems persisted.
More Patch Coverage: Crowds Persist At Rhode Island Beaches: Raimondo
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