RI Reports Over 1,500 New Coronavirus Cases - State's Cases Have Exploded Since Mid-September

RI Reports Over 1,500 New Coronavirus Cases - State's Cases Have Exploded Since Mid-September

Rhode Island continues to lead the country in the number of new cases per capita and Friday’s newest numbers will likely continue the trend.

The RI Department of Health reported 1,571 new cases. In addition, RI suffered 11 more deaths.

Hospitalizations remain at a record level for the second day at 466.

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On Thursday, Governor Gina Raimondo announced that her partial shutdown would continue for another week, but then she would loosen restrictions. Her decision was confusing for some health experts who have warned that Rhode Island’s situation is critical and restrictions should be tightened.

Covid ActNow has ranked RI as in the critical stage for weeks.

"There's no excuse for it," said Raimondo, for the state currently having the highest infection rate -- in the world. 

Raimondo said she looked at mobility data as a "key indicator" -- but the state isn't where she wants it to be. 

"If people are out and about and on our roads, we know there’ll be more cases in a couple of weeks," said Raimondo. "Data is starting to trend in the right direction."

"I had hoped to see a more precipitous and quicker decline and we’re just not seeing that," said Raimondo, in announcing the extension of the current two week "pause," which was set to expire this weekend.