COVID-19 Update-Tuesday: Phase 1 focus is on getting RI back to work.

Hear is a summary of Governor Gina Raimondo's Tuesday briefing on COVID-19.

  • Focus of phase 1 is getting Rhode Islanders back to work.
  • Governor Raimondo expects to talk about the timing of moving to "Phase 2" this Thursday.
  • When questioned about furloughs for state employees: Raimondo says although she has no specific plans at the moment, she does not see a way to get through the budget crisis caused by COVID-19 without furloughing state employees at some point.
  • For anyone who has put off health care issues, now is the time to make an appointment with your doctor.
  • Governor Gina Raimondo cautions Rhode Islanders to "keep your social network small."
  • As everyone's network expands, keeping a diary of your contacts becomes more important than ever for the purpose of tracking potential cases of COVID-19.
  • $8.2 million available for workers in congregate care settings through June 1st.
  • Internet providers Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint, who have been donating internet hot spot service to low income families with school children, will continue to do so through June 30th.
  • RIDOH clarifies: Contact info collected by restaurants will only be used in case of COVID-19 being traced to a restaurant.
  • Businesses should have COVID-19 control plan completed by May 18th. Plan should outline how business will protect employees and customers and prevent spread of COVID-19.
  • Template for control plan is posted on website: https://www.reopeningri.com/resource_pdfs/COVID-19-Control-Template-Final-5.6.20.pdf
  • Governor says measures being implemented by restaurants and retail, including distancing, reservations-only dining and plexi-glass barriers will be part of normal operation for "about a year."

Updated data for Tuesday 5/12:

  • New coronavirus cases: 164. Total: 11,614
  • New fatalities: 14. Total: 444
  • Hospitalized: 277. 72 in ICU. 53 on ventilators
  • Rhode Islanders tested prior day: 1,907. Total to date: 95,239

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