Raimondo Announces 6 New Coronavirus Cases Bringing Total to 20, Urges Students to Stay Home

Raimondo Announces 6 New Coronavirus Cases Bringing Total to 20, Urges Students to Stay Home

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced six new cases of coronavirus in the state on Saturday, bringing the total to 20 as of March 14. 

"This morning, [we're announcing] 6 new positive cases. I fully expect each day there will be more cases," said Raimondo. "Rhode Islanders should know that. The number of cases depends on each and every one of us doing what we’re asked to do — social distancing, staying home when sick."

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Urging Students Stay Home, People Avoid Church

"I would like to speak to the students, the high school students and college students, [who are] home next week," said Raimondo. "This isn’t a time to take vacation and meet out at a bar or go out together — if you are doing that you are missing the point of taking the week off."

"It’s a time to hunker down in your home, avoid crowds, watch movies at home. Don’t take this as an opportunity to get together with friends in close contact," she added. "That will defeat everything we’re trying to do."

"If you are a little bit sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Do not go to large gatherings," said Raimondo.  "We have a limited number of cases and the ability to smooth the curve depends on everyone heeding this advice."

Raimondo also urged church-goers and religious worshippers to avoid services this weekend, and spoke to being in contact with spiritual leaders about the advice.