Rhode Island reports 252 new cases of COVID-19, over 400K fully vaccinated
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Health officials on Wednesday reported 252 new positive cases of the coronavirus.
The state administered 18,223 tests on Tuesday, which collected a positivity rate of 1.4%.
One more person died from the virus, bringing Rhode Island’s death toll to 2,682.
Currently, 125 Rhode Islanders are hospitalized with the virus. Of these patients, 23 are in the ICU and 17 are on a ventilator.
The state reached a milestone Wednesday as data showed 405,389 people have been fully vaccinated.
Over 558,000 residents have at least received one dose of the vaccine.
Govenor Dan McKee said Tuesday the state is considering a vaccine incentive program, even as the percentage of Rhode Islanders vaccinated for COVID-19 nears 70%.
“We’re approaching that 70% number as I thought we would be by Mother’s Day,” Gov. McKee said.
“Reserve your lunch and brunch on Mother’s day and so I think we’re going to have to be creative in terms of that pick and shovel work. I wouldn’t be against that if it was done in a way that made sense.”
McKee also says it makes sense to help small businesses in the state with gift cards. He hopes to start getting to them by next month.
