"No Plans for Shelter in Place" - Raimondo Announces 11 New Coronavirus Cases, RI Total Now 44

"No Plans for Shelter in Place" - Raimondo Announces 11 New Coronavirus Cases, RI Total Now 44

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced 11 new cases of coronavirus in Rhode Island on Thursday, bringing the total to 44 -- and while other cities across the country have invoked "shelter in place," Raimondo said that she is not considering the step at this time. 

"This is the most critical time," said Raimondo on Thursday, announcing the 11 new cases. "Many people are saying is this the way it’s going to be indefinitely? The answer is no."

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"We’re a step ahead of the virus. Right now we’re not overwhelmed, we don’t want to be overwhelmed," said Raimondo. "The most common question I am receiving is will I order a shelter a place. I am not planning to do that and I want to avoid that. That would be truly crushing for the economy."

"Avoid crowds, people 60 older say in the house, washing hands constantly, staying home if you’re sick — if we do that, we’ll get through this," said Raimondo. "We are working for the best put planning for the worst."

Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott spoke to the current cases -- and information released. 

"[These cases range] from people in their 20s to their 60s — people have traveled in this group to NY and Utah," said Alexander Scott. "One is hospitalized."

"Public health is about keeping people informed but we have a responsibility to balance this with the privacy expectations and rights of patients and families," said Alexander Scott. "This is why we have not been releasing information of place of residence."

"We now have more cases which will allow for more anonymity while protecting the rights of patients," she said. "In the coming days, we will be releasing data at the county level."

"Federal Response Lacking" - Raimondo Makes Appeal for Equipment

"[We're] very focused on getting our hands on swabs, the kind of swabs we need to ramp our testing, as well as PPE — personal protective equipment — for our healthcare workers," said Raimondo. "Unfortunately, the federal government’s response has been lacking. We’re not standing still. We’re reaching out to manufacturers in Rhode Island across the country."

"If you are a manufacturer who manufactures these kinds of equipment — if you have employees usually wear these kinds of masks — we need to hear from you," she said. "If you operate a lab, we need to hear from you. If you’re a dentist, you might have the kind of swabs we need, we need to hear from you. If you’re a distributor, we need to hear from you."

"I have been assured from the federal government that a week from now this will be different," said Raimondo "By 3 pm today there will be a section on the Department of Health’s website detailing exactly what we’re looking for."

Banks -- and Evictions

"Banks and credit unions in RI and across the country have a lot of cash and capital — set your fears aside," said Raimondo. "If you get money we ask that you do that through and ATM — avoid the lobby, call for an appointment, just don’t show up."

Raimondo said that for now, Rhode Islanders cannot legally be evicted. 

"You’re not going to be evicted — the RI Supreme Court has shut the courts until April 17 for any adjudication for anything related to evection," said Raimondo, ."Even if you’re received an eviction notice — don’t worry about it."