Raimondo Extends Partial Shutdown Through December 20, Provides Additional Relief to Businesses

Raimondo Extends Partial Shutdown Through December 20, Provides Additional Relief to Businesses

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced Thursday that she is extending the state's current partial shutdown -- for another week. 

"There's no excuse for it," said Raimondo, for the state currently having the highest infection rate -- in the world. 

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Raimondo said she looked at mobility data as a "key indicator" -- but the state isn't where she wants it to be. 

"If people are out and about and on our roads, we know there’ll be more cases in a couple of weeks," said Raimondo. "Data is starting to trend in the right direction."

"I had hoped to see a more precipitous and quicker decline and we’re just not seeing that," said Raimondo, in announcing the extension of the current two week "pause," which was set to expire this weekend. 

Assistance for Businesses

"I can hear the collective groan of businesses really getting hurt — I’m sorry, this is really hard. But I am certain it’s [a right decision]," she said. "To have to throttle it back is especially painful."

"I’m going to extend business relief — we’ve received applications from 1800 businesses," said Raimondo, noting that on Thursday, 500 businesses are going to have checks sent out totalling $10 million. "

"We’re extending the deadline to apply to midnight on Monday," said Raimondo. "Go to tax.ri.gov -- check a few boxes and we’ll get the check on the way to you."

Raimondo noted that on Friday at 11 AM Commerce is hosting an online Zoom. 

"Every business that gets a check for a two week pause will get a second check to cover your the third week," said Raimondo. "If you already applied for money for the two week pause, you’ll automatically get a check for the third week pause."