Governor Raimondo hopes to lift stay at home order by May 8
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Governor Raimondo held her daily COVID-19 press briefing at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Despite the fact Rhode Island continues to see an increase in cases, she expressed that she has a good feeling that Rhode Island is on track to have the stay-at-home order lifted on May 8.
Being prepared has allowed Raimondo to say, “I’m really looking forward to lifting that stay-at-home order on May 8th, because everything I know now tells me we are going to be ready.”
On Sunday, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced 310 new positive cases and 11 additional fatalities. This brings the state’s total of COVID-19 positive cases to 7,439 and related death count to 226.
Other announcements included R.I.’s first positive case at the Veteran’s Home in Bristol, the small business paycheck protection program (PPP), and the governor’s executive order mandating telemedicine be covered by insurance companies similar to a regular office visit.
As of Sunday, 16 residents have been quarantined at the Veteran’s Home. Everyone will be tested by the end of the day Sunday. Extra precautions are taking place, such as workers who are caring for quarantined residents are going in one door and out a second.
The governor also reiterated for small businesses that are struggling in R.I. to contact their banks in regards to requesting and receiving aid. Additional information for small businesses can be found on the Rhode Island Commerce website.
Also announced today is a video tribute honoring those Rhode Islanders who have been lost to the COVID-19 will be displayed on WaterFire Providence’s website.
