Raimondo: "Still Going to Be Some Restrictions" in RI This Summer Due to Coronavirus
GoLocalProv News Team
Raimondo: "Still Going to Be Some Restrictions" in RI This Summer Due to Coronavirus
On Wednesday, there were 7 additional coronavirus deaths for a total of 87 fatalities; 278 new positive cases for 3,529 in total, and 229 people currently in the hospital -- with 54 in the ICU.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMoreover, Raimondo warned Rhode Islanders that it is likely "some restrictions" will still be in place in Rhode Island through the summer.
"Tomorrow I plan to share some of the data we have around modeling — we still have still little data," said Raimondo. "We are not in a downward slope."
Raimond had previously said she would be releasing the state's modeling, but to date has not.
Relaying Numbers
In a deviation from the previous protocol, where Raimondo announced the updates herself, the state is now flashing a "dashboard" with the latest numbers at the outset of each closed-to-the-press briefings.
See More Below "DASHBOARD"
"We are still going to be under some restrictions this summer [and] all fall," said Raimondo. "Frankly until we have an effective treatment or vaccine."
"There’s still going to be restrictions, particularly around crowds, the size of crowds, and ability to congregate," she said. "I’m going to do my best to make sure we can go for a swim, walk on the beach, walk in the park, in a new way that keeps us safe."
Shopping Over the Border; Customers Not Ordered to Wear Face Coverings
Raimondo addressed two issues from prior briefings -- what Rhode Islanders should do who grocery shop in neighboring states -- and whether customers were included in the order announced Tuesday that employees of customer-facing businesses will be required to wear face coverings starting Saturday.
Regarding shopping over the border in other states, Raimondo said Wednesday that people who do so should "stay home" upon return, but backed off her order that they self-quarantine for 14 days.
"I need you to be smart about it. If you live 5 minutes away from the Stop and Shop in Seekonk — then go to the Stop and Shop in Seekonk," said Raimondo. "But when you come back, stay in your house. All I can tell you is the less you leave your house the safer we’ll all be. In a fantasy world, we could probably get this thing down to zero infection rate. Use your good judgment — come home and stay home. Wear your mask when out, wash your hands constantly."
Regarding customers in stores, Raimondo said the following.
"Businesses can’t ask customers to leave [who aren't wearing face coverings]," said Raimondo. "Customers shouldn’t be turned away. But customers should be using a cloth-based mask. We are asking businesses to do their very best to put up signage."
Nursing Home Workers Get Fast-Tracked Testing -- New Quarantine Resources
On Wednesday, Raimondo said that workers at nursing homes and congregate settings can get "fast-tracked' for testing at the Twin River testing facility and should consult their employers for more information.
Raimondo also announced a new website -- rihavens.com -- for people to go on, especially frontline health care workers that are looking to self-quarantine away from families while working, for reduced-rate hotel rooms around the state.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Raimondo does not allow Rhode Islanders to hear reporters' questions. Nearly all governors across the country and the White House allow reporters to ask questions directly and for the public to hear the questions and the responses.