RI Coronavirus "Spreading Widely" -- 198 New Cases on Just 6,500 Tests

RI Coronavirus "Spreading Widely" -- 198 New Cases on Just 6,500 Tests

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) on Friday released the latest state coronavirus data which shows hospitalizations up nearly 60% week over week.

Last week, the average hospitalization number was 67; this week, it is 106.

Now, daily hospitalizations jumped up to 137 -- a doubling of what it was a month ago.

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On Friday, RIDOH announced 198 new COVID-19 cases after conducting just 6,599 tests on Thursday, making the “percent positive prior day” number 3%.

The week-over-week data on new cases per 100,000 has jumped from 98 to 120 -- an increase of 22%.

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On Friday, former Rhode Island Department of Health Director Dr. Michael Fine appeared on GoLocal LIVE to break down the latest numbers and figures.  He warns that the data shows the disease is "spreading widely."

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On Thursday, Governor Gina Raimondo announced that trick-or-treating will still be allowed this year, and asked people to do so before sundown on Halloween. 

She also announced that workplace breakrooms will be closed for the next 90 days.