The number of Coronavirus cases in Rhode Island is now 165 according to Governor Raimondo who announced 33 new cases on Thursday. Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott, head of the RI Dept. of Health stated that greatest number of cases are concentrated in the most populated cities, including Providence. Of the 165 cases, 23 are hospitalized, including nine in intensive care. Only six are intubated, using ventilators to breathe.
The Governor also announced an initiative to help small businesses do more business online. Beginning on Friday any business can access free tech support by phone or teleconference.
Raimondo also addressed those who may have traveled recently from New York, implementing an executive order that directs everyone travel to RI from NY state be any means of transportation, to self quarantine for 14 days upon entering Rhode Island. RI National Guard personnel will enforce the order by meeting buses at Greyhound and Peter Pan stops. Additionally, RI state troopers will flag down vehicles with NY plates, informing them of the quarantine mandate. Col. James Manni, superintendent of the state police, says that this order will apply only to passenger vehicles and will not affect commerce.
Governor Raimondo acknowledged that the state needs to ramp up COVID-19 testing, saying that the goal is to reach a goal of 1,000 tests per day by next week. She also acknowledged that obtaining testing materials and personal protection equipment has proven "extremely difficult."