Governor Gina Raimondo has announced that there are 38 new cases of coronavirus in Rhode Island, bringing the total number of cases to 203.In her daily briefing on Friday, the Governor reminded residents to maintain social distancing and to avoid any gatherings of 10 or more people, regardless of the nature of the gathering.
Raimondo has extended executive orders banning any gathering of more than 10 people to April 13th.Additionally, the ban on dine-in service at restaurants is extended for the same period.Non-essential businesses including barber shops, gyms and hair solons must stay closed until April 13th as well. The Governor also extended the requirement that all air-travel passengers enter a 14 day self-quarantine after arriving in Rode Island to April 25th .
Additionally, Governor Raimondo made the following virus-related announcements:
-Background checks for gun permits – 30 day waiting period remains in effect until May 8th.
-Casinos will be closed indefinitely.
-No nursing home visitors until further notice.
Regarding Rhode Island schools, Raimondo says she will make an announcement on Monday about how much longer current distance learning protocol will be in place.
On Thursday the Governor had announced an order requiring anyone coming from New York into Rhode Island to self-quarantine for 14 days.In addition to state troopers pulling over vehicles with NY plates, the governor stated on Friday that law enforcement officials in coastal towns will also be going door to door to advise residents of the policy and to inquire if any of the occupants are seasonal residents who have recently come from New York state.
While efforts to increase the daily number of tests for coronavirus are progressing, the governor says “We are not ready for a surge of cases,” but the state is getting closer to ramping up testing and treatment. She says that the goal is to move use “pinpointing” efforts to focus on areas with the highest concentration of cases. Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott announced at Friday's briefing that roughly 1700 people will come off of self-quarantine this weekend, many of whom are connected to a case at Cranston High School West. However, Alexander-Scott reminded students and others not to restart socializing and "hanging out with friends."
photo; NBC10 (file)