RI Veterans Home reports first two COVID-19 deaths, RIDOH reports 325 new cases

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – The Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol reported its first two COVID-19 related deaths Thursday.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) also Thursday reported 325 new positive cases and 18 deaths.

The state’s cumulative COVID-19 case total now stands at 10,530, and the death toll is now at 388.

The two Veterans Home residents who died were both in their 70s and had underlying health conditions, spokesman Dave Levesque said.

The recent outbreak at the Veterans Home has made it difficult for the home to be properly staffed, sources tell ABC6.

Levesque acknowledged the recent challenges in a statement but also said staffing has improved in recent days.

“In recent weeks, the Veterans Home has had difficulty staff – particularly on weekends- to the high levels we customarily provide our residents,” Levesque said in a statement Wednesday. “However, the Veteran’s Home’s direct care staffing levels have improved in recent days, as several CNAs and nurses have been cleared to return to work after previously testing positive.”

Last week, ABC6 reported that 24 employees and 12 residents had tested positive at the Veterans Home.