10 new positive cases of COVID-19 and schools move to distance learning for two weeks

PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) – Governor Raimondo announced on Wednesday that there are 10 additional cases of COVID-19 and schools are being moved to “distance learning” starting on Monday, March 23rd until April 3rd.

According to the Director of Health, Doctor Alexander-Scott, the 10 new patients vary in age from their 20s to their 70s. This brings Rhode Island’s total cases to 33, negative test results to 540, tests that are pending to 334 and approximately 2,500 people instructed to self-quarantine.

Of the 10 patients, 7 are females and 3 are males, and they all have a travel history in a number of locations including Iceland, Amsterdam, Spain, England, and France.

4 of the patients are hospitalized and 1 is expected to be discharged soon.

On the topic of schools, Governor Raimondo announced that starting on March 23, until April 3, all public k-12 schools are moved to “distance learning”, and reminded students to not treat is as an extended vacation.

Also during the conference, Governor Raimondo announced that all medical providers are required to cover all medically appropriate telehealth visits to any specialist.

Utility providers are also ordered not to shut down electric, gas, water, or sewer services for any reason other than for somebody’s safety.

They are also ordered to stop sending passed due accounts to collection agencies, relieving those in financial distress.

Governor Raimondo noted that unemployment and TDI applications “skyrocketed”, and says she is in constant contact with federal delegation if additional funds are needed.

The Governor and Doctor Alexander-Scott commended the outpour of the community during the pandemic, siting the Providence Diocese for handing out Stop & Shop gift cards and Bradford Soap donating 70,000 bars of soap.

There will be another press conference on Thursday to discuss further updates.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020