Rhode Island and U.S. Facing Daunting Challenge by Exploding Coronavirus Numbers
GoLocalProv News Team
Rhode Island and U.S. Facing Daunting Challenge by Exploding Coronavirus Numbers
Rhode Island has seen an explosion of cases -- and one of the fastest-growing increases in infection.
Rhode Island hit its highest level of infection this week, higher than at any other time since the coronavirus first struck the state on March 1, 2020.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAccording to Covid Act Now, Rhode Island’s infection rate is at the “critical” level and it is the only state east of Kentucky with this level of infection.
The number of cases per 100,000 Rhode Island has been skyrocketing since mid-September. The number has grown 300% since September 16 — a near straight upward trajectory. Rhode Island has seen the infection rate per 100,000 jump from 9.2 to 37.2.
All of the trends in Rhode Island are going the wrong way. The number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all increasing.
“We’re in for a whole lot of hurt. It’s not a good situation,” Anthony S. Fauci, the country’s leading infectious-disease expert, said in a wide-ranging interview late Friday with the Washington Post. “All the stars are aligned in the wrong place as you go into the fall and winter season, with people congregating at home indoors. You could not possibly be positioned more poorly.”
Dr. Michael Fine, the former Rhode Island Director of Health, warns that Rhode Island without significant masking and restrictions will continue to see dramatic growth in infection and corresponding deaths.
According to The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s the projections show Rhode Island’s deaths could climb to 2,025 by February 1, 2021 -- or could be as devastating as 3,020 if restrictions remain lax.
In the existing trends, deaths could increase from the present daily 4 deaths to 10 deaths a day by December 1.
The BBC reports that "Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a second national lockdown for England to prevent a "medical and moral disaster" for the NHS.
He said Christmas may be 'very different' but he hoped taking action now would mean families can gather."
The new restrictions are broad. Pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops will close for four weeks starting Thursday.
Johnson said that unlike the restrictions in spring, schools, colleges and universities can stay open.
After December 2, the restrictions will be eased and regions would go back to the tiered system, said Johnson.
Johnson said,"Christmas is going to be different this year, perhaps very different, but it's my sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action now we can allow families across the country to be together."
Italy is seeing a record number of cases. And, the government has been adding restrictions.
Rebecca Couto da Silva Skyped in from Bolzano, Italy and told GoLocal that many are resisting the new policies.