In her daily briefing, Governor Gina Raimondo said that she and Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, Director of the RI Health Department are concerned about the possible spread of COVID-19 at protests, which are expected to continue this week. State officials are reminding protesters to observe social distancing rules, to wear masks, and to be mindful about who is around them in case they need to trace contacts for the purpose of tracking an outbreak. RIDOH staff members will be present at all peaceful protests in order to help distribute masks and information about COVID-19.
Raimondo also addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Rhode Island's budget deficit, which is expected to be around $800 million in the coming fiscal year. Elements of her plan include leveraging the Federal Workshare Program for state employees and allowing state employees to volunteer for furloughs. Raimondo says that the deficit will be devastating if the proposed second stimulus package is not approved, although she says she is confident that it will pass in Congress..
During her briefing, the governor also encouraged Rhode Islanders to download the "Crush Covid RI" mobile app, which allows users to automatically keep a diary of places visited, in case that information is needed fro COVID-19 tracking. To date, approximately 45,000 people have downloaded the app.
COVID-19 Data for Wednesday 6/04
- New cases = 107. Total = 15,219
- New fatalities = 10. Total= 742
- Previous day tests: 2,824