On the second consecutive day of new COVID-19 cases exceeding 900 in Rhode Island, Governor Gina Raimondo pleaded with Rhode Islanders to "make changes" in behavior in order to stem the rise in cases and to hopefully prevent a lockdown. The governor blamed small social gatherings such as Halloween parties for the recent severe spike in cases. Raimondo said that returning to the state's previous "Phase 2" would not be enough to slow the spread of COVID-19 and that a complete lock down may be necessary if the infection rate continues on its current course. In fact, she warned that the state appears to be "moving towards" a lockdown.
The governor cited hospital statistics showing that 84% of existing COVID-19 care beds are full, and capacity will be exhausted within a week, at the current infection rate. Local hospitals are projected to be full within three weeks, which will require a COVID-only field hospital in Cranston to be brought on line.
Raimondo was upbeat about the possibility of a vaccine being available before the end of the year. Meanwhile, she asked residents to change their habits, avoid social gatherings and to stay home for Thanksgiving. She will announced specific guidelines regarding Thanksgiving next week.
photo: WJAR TV video/ Data graphic: RI Dept. of Health
- Data for 11/12
- new cases: 936 (4.7% positive test rate)
- new deaths: 7
- people hospitalized: 232
- total tests prior day: 19,841