Governor Raimondo has announced eight new coronavirus-related deaths in Rhode Island bringing the total to 25. The number of new cases on Sunday is 116, raising the total number to 922. The governor threatened to "close everything down," if Rhode Islanders continue to violate social distancing guidelines, which require 6 foot separation in public places, and social gatherings restricted to 5 or fewer people. Raimondo says she has heard reports of overcrowding in "big box stores," including Walmart and grocery stores, and plans to drive the state on Sunday to see if such crowds are common. She also asked anyone who sees overcrowding in stores to post pictures on social media, and/or report the situation to the state Department of Business Regulation.
During her Sunday briefing Raimondo spoke directly to individuals who lack healthcare insurance, telling them that even if you don't have health insurance, you can be tested for COVID-19. She also spoke to undocumented persons, telling them not to be afraid of uniformed officials and National Guard members who are staffing testing sites, assuring undocumented immigrants that their immigration status will not be questioned during the testing process.
Dr. James McDonald, Medical Director of the RI Dept. of Health announced that the eight most recent deaths occurred whose ages range from their 60's to 90's, three of whom were residents of Golden Crest Nursing Home in North Providence, which has now experienced a total of 15 deaths. McDonald and Raimondo both reminded Rhode Islanders of the new guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control, which recommend cloth face covering fro all people when in public. Health care workers are still required to ear personal protective equipment, including N-95 masks. Responding to a question from the media about store clerks wearing face coverings, Raimondo said that "they should be" and that the state will begin monitoring adherence to that directive.
photo: WJAR NBC10 video