Raimondo Says "All RI COVID Beds Are Filled" - Announces New $100M Initiative

Raimondo Says "All RI COVID Beds Are Filled" - Announces New $100M Initiative

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced on Wednesday that all COVID-19 hospital beds in the state are filled -- and that she is putting $100 million to help Rhode Islanders impacted by the upcoming partial shutdown starting November 30. 

On Wednesday, Rhode Island reported 10 additional COVID-19 related fatalities, and that 357 Rhode Islanders are now hospitalized due to coronavirus, with 35 in the ICU.

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“If we don’t take it seriously — we will have to turn patients away. It’s not a threat but a mathematical reality,” said Raimondo, of the upcoming partial shutdown of certain segments of the economy ordered by the state. 

READ: Raimondo Administration Guidance on Upcoming Partial Shutdown

“Heart surgeries, cancer treatments, cancer screenings — we’ll start to lose Rhode Islanders to other diseases,” said Raimondo. “And Rhode Islanders will struggle with health issues because we won’t have the staff to take care of them.

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Rhode Island’s field hospitals are expected to become operational shortly.

Assistance to Rhode Islanders 

On Wednesday, Raimondo announced support for those businesses that will be impacted by the upcoming two week partial shutdown starting November 30 — as well as workers. 

“[I’m announcing an] additional $100 million of support for Rhode Island and Rhode Island businesses during this two week pause — companies who are being put out of business or are being severely limited,” said Raimondo. “The goal is significant quick and easy [financial assistance].”

“It’s additional and on top of the $50 million through Restore RI and millions for Take It Outside,” said Raimondo of the state’s other supports. 

“$50 million is to support businesses that are going to be closed or severely limited during the pause. Restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters — all you have to do is fill out a form self-attesting you’ve been impacted by the two week pause,” said Raimondo, who said businesses will be eligible for checks of up to $50,000.

“The size will be determined on the revenue you would lose in those two weeks. We ask you use this money to continue to paying your employees during the two weeks," she added. 

Raimondo said the application will be available shortly on www.tax.ri.gov. “You’ll have two weeks to apply,” she said. 

“Another $50 million [will go] to the pockets of Rhode Island families who are put out of work — every Rhode Islander who is currently receiving unemployment during the pause will receive an additional $200 a week during the period,” she said.

Raimondo added that undocumented immigrants are still eligible for financial assistance through the “We are one” campaign and urged people to contact Dorcas International for more information.