Gov. Raimondo announces 317 new cases and 19 new fatalities connected to COVID-19

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – 317 people have tested positive for COVID-19 along with 19 new fatalities since Friday. 

The total reported COVID-19 cases now stands at 4,491, and the state’s death toll stands at 137, as of Saturday.

Rhode Island has conducted a total of 32,826 COVID-19 tests. 28,335 of those tests have come back negative. 

Currently, there are 255 people hospitalized. 67 of those people are in ICU, and 44 are on a ventilator.

The governor’s executive order required employees at close-contact businesses, such as grocery stores, and office-based employees to wear cloth face coverings, starting on Saturday. 

She asks that everyone follow established rules and asks residents to wear cloth face coverings when they are out grocery shopping. Even though a cloth face covering may not prevent the virus, wearing the covering could potentially help in stopping the spread of the virus. 

As much of Rhode Island’s revenue is based on small businesses, today’s briefing discussed a lot in terms of reopening the economy.

Governor Raimondo expressed that reopening the economy will happen in phases, industry-by-industry. She plans on providing additional information on reopening the economy over the next week. 

She acknowledged the process of reopening the economy requires thoughtful guidelines and restrictions based on facts and guidance the state receives.  

Everyone’s continued patience and cooperation is much appreciated by the governor as the state expects a surge in cases forecast through the first week in May.

Raimondo acknowledged one industry that is suffering and vital to Rhode Island’s communities, the arts and cultural scene. She said, “The stage is currently dark.” 

It is very hard to make a living right now for many, including those working in arts and culture. The Rhode Island State Council of Arts and The RI Foundation have created the RI Artist Relief Fund which will allow local artists to apply for a $1,000 grant to aid them during this time.

Artists are encouraged to apply for this relief at artistcommunities.org.

It was mentioned today that even though some of us have snow on the ground, the weather Sunday is expected to be quite nice. As the weather continues to get better, many garden centers are looking to open. 

To avoid crowding, beginning Sunday all big box stores are being asked to close their garden centers to open customer browsing. Raimondo has asked to restrict garden center access to pickup, delivery, or shop-by-appointment only. 

An announcement involving guidelines for safely opening garden centers with restrictions is expected in the coming days.