Rhode Island is expected to enter Phase 2 of its reopening in early June, according to Governor Gina Raimondo. The governor says that before moving to the next phase, the state must hit the following benchmarks regarding the presence of COVID-19 in the community:
- Less than 70% of hospital beds filled (Move back a phase if over 85%)
- 30 or fewer new hospitalizations daily (Move back a phase if more than 50 per day)
- Rate of spread less than 1.1 "R Value"
- Hospitalizations doubling every 30 days or more (Move back a phase if under 20 days)
- Testing benchmarks and contact tracing goals are being met
- Consistent decrease in number of new cases over at least a 14 day period
While the specific Phase 2 parameters are yet to be defined, the initial plan called for social gatherings to be allowed up to 15 people. Masks would still be required to be worn in public, and "social distancing" would still be defined at 6 feet in most cases. However, some close contact businesses, including restaurants and salons may be allowed to open.
COVID-19 Data for Friday 5/15
- New cases: 203. Total 12,209
- New Fatalities: 11. Total 479
- Total tested prior day: 3,377
All data and graphics from RIDOH and https://www.reopeningri.com/