18 New RI Coronavirus Cases; Raimondo Announces Website Partnership for Access to Child & Eldercare

18 New RI Coronavirus Cases; Raimondo Announces Website Partnership for Access to Child & Eldercare

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced on Tuesday 18 new COVID-19 cases in the state -- bringing the total to 124 -- as well as what she said is the country's first partnership for access to child and eldercare. 

On Tuesday, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training reported that 56,000 Rhode Islanders have filed for unemployment or temporary disability insurance.

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The numbers show that in less than a month Rhode Island has transformed from near-record low unemployment to now what are record layoffs.

Care Access Partnership

Raimondo and Department of Human Services Director Courtney Hawkins announced Tuesday that the state of Rhode Island has partnered with Care.com to increase child care access for frontline workers responding to the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to providing 90 days of "free, premium access" to their services, Care.com has created portals specifically for frontline workers and caregivers in Rhode Island.

Starting today, frontline workers looking for child care can visit www.care.com/rineed to find a local caregiver. Rhode Island residents interested in becoming caregivers can visit www.care.com/rigive to register. 

According to the state, while child care services are not typically free of charge, the Rhode Island portal gives residents "the ability to waive their fees and volunteer as caregivers, providing additional support to frontline workers."

Potential caregivers are subject to Care.com’s extensive background and safety checks.

“Frontline workers are critical to Rhode Island’s response to COVID-19,” said Raimondo. “Among others, medical professionals, emergency workers, grocery store and pharmacy employees, and members of law enforcement are working around the clock throughout this crisis. I’m proud that Rhode Island has partnered with Care.com to connect these heroes with safe, affordable child care.”

In addition, several child care facilities—the Boys & Girls Club, Greater Providence YMCA, Children’s Workshop, Children’s Friend and Learning Brook—will offer on-site child care specifically for the children of essential hospital workers in the coming weeks. Eligible hospital staff will be notified by their employer.

Emergency Regulations

Raimondo announced that DHS has promulgated emergency regulations for Rhode Island child care providers that choose to remain open during this crisis. To the extent possible, child care facilities must operate under the following mandatory conditions:

Child care must be carried out in stable groups of 10 or fewer;
Children shall not change from one group to another;
If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate room. Groups shall not mix with one another.