Rhode Island has recorded another record high number of new cases of COVID-19, as the Department of Health announced 437 new cases on Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 6,699. There were 13 new fatalities. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in RI is now 202.
On Friday the RI Dept. of Health announced that about 80 cases have been linked to Burrillville-based Daniele Inc., a local producer of dried meats. This news comes in the wake of yesterday's report that approximately 100 cases had been linked to Taylor Farms New England, a Quonset-based food processing company.
At her Friday press briefing, Governor Gina Raimondo made the following announcements:
- Establishment of the Congregate Care Workforce Stabilization Fund, which will help give raises to employees of nursing homes and group homes.
- The RI National Guard is being deployed to help nursing homes with infection control and other aspects of virus-spread prevention.
- The governor also announced an agreement with lenders who service RI mortgages, providing a 90 day grace period for those people who have been impacted by the coronavirus. Additionally, late fees related to the pandemic will be waived.
- $1.5 million in rental assistance to become available to lowest income Rhode Islanders beginning 4/30
- Small businesses which don't currently have relationships with banks, will get assistance from the RI Commerce Commission. Businesses needing help can email: ppp@commerceri.com
graphic: RIDOH