NEW: 5 More RI COVID-19 Deaths for 35 Total, 220 New Cases for 1450
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: 5 More RI COVID-19 Deaths for 35 Total, 220 New Cases for 1450
In addition, the state is reporting over the past day 220 new COVID-19 cases for 1450 in total, with 143 hospitalizations.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRhode Island Director of Health Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott said that of the 5 deaths announced, three of the deceased were in their 70s, one in their 80s, one in 90s.
"The [person in their] 90s was a Golden Crest [nursing home] resident, and the person in their 80s was at Oak Hill [nursing home] as one of the fatalities in their 70s," she said.
"There has been coverage about racial and ethnic disparities — that highlights why we have many times before this pandemic spoken about why zip codes matter. We understand when these types of disparities occur," said Alexander Scott. "We are still building out our system to look at things in a granular way, however we do know definitely that know that are environmental, social, and economic factors that make people more vulnerable."
Testing Clarification
On Wednesday, Raimondo said that people should not be going to their CVS pharmacy for COVID-19 testing, following her announcement of a new drive-through testing facility at Twin River in Lincoln in partnership with CVS.
"We hear people are going into CVS pharmacies requesting a test. The only way you can get one is going to cvs.com requesting an appointment [for the site at Twin River]," said Raimondo. "Please do not go into your local CVS pharmacy. You will not be able to be tested."
"These tests are most accurate on people who have symptoms. We’re not encouraging testing on people who aren’t having symptoms," she added.
Raimondo reiterated her call for all Rhode Islanders to keep a daily contact log.
"At the end of every day, write down on a piece of paper, write down everywhere you’ve been, and who you’ve had physical contest. When you get tested, you should bring that with you to go get tested," said Raimondo. "So when you get the contact from the DOH — we’ll be ready to move more quickly."
Courts
On Wednesday, Raimondo announced the extension of the closure of Rhode Island courts for "all non-essential business" until May 17.
"The courts extended their closure for non-essential business through May 17. My office has been in touch with the chief judges of all the courts," said Raimondo. "What this means for the people of Rhode Island — you cannot be evicted for any time or any reason between now and May 17. An evection is a court procedure and the courts are closed for all non-essential services."
Providence Parks Clarification
Raimondo spoke to Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza's parks order, which he signed Tuesday prohibiting people from using city parks -- and boulevards.
"I’ve been getting a lot of questions on Mayor Elorza’s [announcement]," said Raimondo. "He announced parks and boulevards would be completely closed. We have had the chance since yesterday to speak with the Mayor -- I want to clarify that a bit."
"The policy will be implemented like the state policy around parks and beaches. If you’re lucky enough to live within walking distance from a park or boulevard you can go for a walk — but you cannot park there. We do not want to see crowds congregating."
"We’re offering additional help from the State Police and DEM - if people are in huge crowds on Blackstone Boulevard, or Roger Williams Park, then we will have no choice but to close down the parks and boulevards. Everyone deserves a little sanity to get out of the house," she said.