Beginning this Friday, May 8th, wearing cloth face masks will be required in all public places in Rhode Island. Governor Gina Raimondo announced her latest executive order in her daily press briefing on Monday. The order will apply to both indoor and outdoor places throughout the state. Raimondo suggests that all residents "don't leave home without your mask" and to keep one on your person at all times, including when going out for a walk or jog. Further explanation and exact details of the order will be forthcoming later this week.
Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, Director of the RI Dept. of Health took a few moments at Tuesday's briefing to explains the rationale behind the order, saying that the novel coronavirus can spread through just one cough or sneeze. In fact, she said, even speaking in close proximity to another person can spread germs. She reminded Rhode Islanders that people who are sick still should not leave home because face masks cannot entirely stop the spread of virus.
Data update for Tuesday:
- New COVID-19 cases: 281. Total= 9,933
- New fatalities: 14. Total = 35 (ages range 50's to 100)