Rhode Island's COVID Positivity Rate Falls Below 5 Percent

RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island's weekly percent positivity rate fell below five percent for the first time in months this week, continuing a weeks-long decline in the state's coronavirus statistics.

This week's percent positivity rate was 3.7 percent, down from 5.7 percent the week before. That's a far cry from the week of January 8, when it peaked at 21.1 percent.

The state's other two key indicators fell over the past week, as well. New cases are down to 176 per 100,000 people, approximately half the 316 the week before. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's community transmission indicator, transmission is still considered "high," meaning the agency still recommends mask-wearing in indoor settings. Once case numbers fall below 100 per 100,000 people, transmission will be considered "substantial," then "moderate" below 50.

New hospital admissions, which tend to lag a week or two behind the other indicators, have been declining since they peaked at 585 the week of Jan. 15. This week, that number was down to 102.

Read more:

• New Hours For RI's State-Run COVID-19 Test Sites
• Rhode Island Is First In The U.S. For Fully-Vaxxed Residents