(Providence, RI) -- As of Tuesday, all restaurants, bars and coffee shops in Rhode Island are prohibited from serving food and drinks on-site in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Only takeout, drive-thru and delivery services will be allowed for the time being. Additionally, effective immediately, gatherings of more than 25 people are banned and the state will take steps to enforce that restriction.
Governor Gina Raimondo says this is a critical time to control the spread of COVID-19 and she stresses that all non-essential activities are to be avoided. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza has ordered the closing of Providence Place Mall beginning Tuesday. The Twin River casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton are closed and gatherings of more than 250 people are banned. No visitors are allowed in nursing homes, there are restrictions on visitors to hospitals and Governor Raimondo has asked daycare centers to close.
There is one additional coronavirus case in Rhode Island. State Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott announced this morning the latest victim is a woman in her 40s who is hospitalized in stable condition. The total number COVID-19 cases in the state is now at 21. Approximately 2,300 people are quarantined in RI, including students and staff at Cranston West High School.
With all public schools in Rhode Island closed this week due to the coronavirus, district's are providing meals for students. Grab & Go meals will be available at sites in Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket.
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