96% of businesses in Rhode Island are complying with Governor Gina Raimondo's mask wearing order and 98% are adhering to capacity limits. In her Wednesday press briefing the Governor said that after 1,000 recent inspections, the one area that continues to be a challenge regarding social distancing is with bar areas in restaurants. 15% of businesses were not observing six feet of social distancing between customers
- Additionally, Raimondo noted at Wednesday's briefing:
- Rhode Islanders are encouraged to move as much socializing as possible outdoors. Studies show that someone is 19 times more likely to contract the virus indoors than outdoors.
- Rhode Island continues to be a national leader in testing, having run 440,000 tests among 234,00+ residents. The state's positive test rate continues to be below 3%.
- Nursing homes made up 20% of COVID-19 cases in May, while in August they make up just 5%.
- Call the RI Department of Health with questions about testing 401-222-8022.
- Anyone wishing to be tested who does not have a regular doctor or access to a health center can register for a test at: www.portal.ri.gov An.appointment can be made as soon as 1-2 days, with results available in 2-3 days.
- Average test results turnaround time in RI has been reduced from 5 days in July to under 2.5 days last week.
- Decisions about which school districts will utilize distance learning versus in-person classes (or a combination) will be based on several criteria as noted below. (see chart)
COVID-19 Data for 8/19
- New cases= 79
- New fatalities= 3
- Tested on Tuesday= 3,310
graphics: RI Dept. of Health / NBC10 video capture