Health & Fitness
'Let's Not Let Our Guard Down': COVID-19 Cases Climb In RI
With cold weather and winter holidays fast approaching, Rhode Islanders are urged to take steps to stay safe.
PROVIDENCE, RI — The temperature is falling and the days Are short in Rhode Island, and coronavirus case numbers are again becoming a concern in the state. Over the past month, the weekly percent positivity rate has doubled, while daily case numbers are the highest seen in the state since April.
"We've seen an uptick in cases over the last couple of weeks," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, on Tuesday. "Our message today is keep your guard up."
The spike is "not surprising" considering how transmissible the delta variant is, the doctor continued, adding that more cases were expected as gatherings move indoors due to the colder weather. Because of this, now is the time for Rhode Islanders to take proactive measures to slow the spread of the virus in the community.
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While many COVID-19 mitigation measures like mask-wearing and social distancing were relaxed over the summer, "it's time to activate these tools," Alexander-Scott said, especially when it comes to upcoming holiday gatherings.
Related: Tips To Celebrate A COVID-19 Safe Thanksgiving In Rhode Island
On Tuesday, Rhode Island had a daily percent positivity rate of 5.1 percent, which is higher than the 5 percent threshold of concern. The state also saw 561 cases the day before, the most on record since April 9.
Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The latest weekly numbers from the Department of Health showed sharp increases, as well. Over the past week, the weekly percent positivity rate climbed from 2.3 percent to 3.1 percent, while the cases per 100,000 people rose from 169 to 222. That's more than double the 100 cases per 100,000 threshold considered "high" community spread, per the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
Getting vaccinated is still the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state, Alexander-Scott said.
"We need to double down on those mitigation factors that we know work," she said.
Along with getting vaccinated, now is the time to wear masks indoors, practice social distancing in public areas and allow airflow and ventilation in door settings as much as possible, Alexander-Scott continued.
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