COVID-19 Update: 147 new cases, 1,229 total cases, 3 new fatalities, 30 total fatalities

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Governor Raimondo and Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott gave their daily briefing to the state of Rhode Island today at 1:00 pm.

Raimondo reported the state has 147 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 1,229.

She was sad to report the state had 3 new fatalities since Monday, bringing the state’s total fatalities to 30.

Currently 123 people are hospitalized.

Continuing proper protocol in preventing virus spread is crucial and was reiterated to all residents.

Proper protocols in preventing the spread of the virus include, frequent hand washing, wearing a cloth mask, not touching your face, wiping surfaces, and coughing into your elbow.

If you are experiencing symptoms it is extremely important that you do not go to work.

Due to the federal stimulus package, if you do not have sick time at work, all employers are required to pay employees up to 10 days of sick leave if they are unable to go to work.

Governor Raimondo released very important information regarding the many executive orders she has signed into place over the last few weeks.

All social gatherings of more than 5 people such as parties, churches, parks, outside and inside gathering is prohibited until May 8.

In addition, restaurants, bars, cafes, theaters, cinemas, close contact businesses such as hair salons and tattoo parlors and gyms are ordered to stay closed until May 8.

Anyone who is traveling domestically or internationally by any mode of transportation must self-quarantine for 14 days through May 8.

Health insurers are required to cover telemedicine costs for patients through May 8.

The State House, state parks and beaches and casinos remain closed indefinitely.

The Department of Labor and Training, Health Source RI, Department of Human Services will operate online only.

All assisted living, nursing homes and hospitals will remain closed to visitors indefinitely.

Governor Raimondo intends to give a statement on her plans for schools and child care services throughout the state in the coming weeks.

As  a reminder to all Rhode Islanders, if you have a child who is experiencing symptoms, you are asked to call your pediatrician.

Anyone who is younger and not a high risk and experiencing symptoms, you will be sent to one of the state’s National Guard sites to be tested. Your test results will take a few days.

Essential employees, healthcare workers, and workers that must physically show up to work and experiencing symptoms may go to the CVS testing site. Your results will be available withing 30 minutes.

On Monday, the state of Rhode Island conducted 1,800 tests.

Governor Raimondo has asked all hospitals to provide data daily so she can keep them stocked with the proper PPE supplies they need.

A bit of good news for the Rhode Island community. Rhode Islanders can sign up for a free account at www.nextdoor.com to find and help those in need in your neighborhood.

Once you are signed up, click on the ‘Help Map’ to find a neighbor in need. You will be able to find those in need of assistance with errand running, groceries and other needs.

Taking advantage of this free service will allow Rhode Islanders to participate with acts of kindness during this difficult time.