As Rhode Island approaches the start of its three phase reopening on Saturday, Governor Gina Raimondo is outlining a plan for ramping up COVID-19 testing until it increases from the current rate of 3,000 people per day to 20,000 per day:
- Goal is to test 10,000 people per day by July, and 20,000 per day by September. The current testing rate is 3,000 per day, which is the highest per capita rate in the country.
- Outbreak response teams will be formed and will be prepared to spring in action within four hours of multiple positives cases occurring in congregant living situations.
- RI Dept. of Health will soon be sending letters to 5,000 random Rhode Islanders asking them to participate in a pilot program which offers COVID-19 diagnostic testing and blood anti-body test. Tests will be conducted at Stop & Shop stores. Initial pilot program was conducted among Stop & Shop employees.
New guidelines for retail businesses will be released on Wednesday evening, as businesses prepare to reopen on Saturday. Gov. Raimondo says there will be specific direction by business category.
Data for 5/06
- New positive cases= 2772. Total cases=10,205
- new fatalities= 15. Total deaths=370.
data & graphic - courtesy of RIDOH