Coronavirus RI: 7 Nursing Home Residents Die

PROVIDENCE, RI — A total of 25 Rhode Islanders have died because of the new coronavirus, including seven nursing home residents this weekend, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Sunday.

Amid the increasing number of cases, residents should take the directives regarding social distancing, quarantining when ill and not crowding stores seriously or face a "shut down," she said.

"For those of you who are still crowding into big-box [stores]; I don't know what you're thinking at this point," said Raimondo. "It's not funny. You are endangering the lives of fellow Rhode Islanders."

Officials announced eight new deaths Sunday, bringing the total of those who have died related to COVID-19 to 25 in the state. Another 116 people tested positive for the virus, bringing the number of known cases to 922.

Of the eight new deaths, seven were nursing home residents ranging from in their 60s to their 90s, according to officials. Three were men, five were women. Of the 103 people currently hospitalized, Chief Administrative Officer of the Department of Health James McDonald said about 31 are on ventilators.

Raimondo said although the state currently had plenty, it could be a challenge to ensure they had enough for increased demand in the future if more people didn't start taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously.

"If we don't start complying, and getting a lot more serious right now, we are going to have to shut everyone down," said Raimondo.

Officials reiterated that anyone who can, should wear cloth masks when going out, wash hands, keep at least 6 feet from anyone who is not a household member and to stay at home if not feeling well.

On testing

The governor said the state is working to increase testing and testing is available for anyone who is exhibiting symptoms.

Raimondo said that the numbers will continue to increase as testing expands.
"We want to start collecting more accurate data, which means we have to ramp up our testing. If you are feeling sick, call your doctor, call your pediatrician, and get a referral so you can get tested," she said.

The governor stressed that anyone experiencing symptoms should make an appointment to get tested, regardless of immigration status.

"If you go to a testing site and see people in military uniforms, do not be afraid. These are not immigration officials," she said. "Now is not the time for people to be isolated or afraid [of getting tested]," she said. "We want everyone to get tested."

On future quarantine enforcement:

The governor said her administration was looking at ways to enforce quarantines, including the possibility of GPS bracelets for those in quarantine, and would have more on that later this week.

"Right now are trying to make it easier for those to stay at home and still get their groceries and medications."

Raimondo's administration announced Saturday that cashiers should be wearing face masks, or some sort of protection be it a scarf or cloth, and gloves. Raimondo said she would give stores "some time" to comply with the new regulations.

Tracking:

Raimondo said her administration is tracking where people are not abiding by safe social distancing, even going so far as to say she, personally, was going to drive around to look at stores.

"And trust me, you don't want to be in the crowds [if I see you]," she said.

And she asked residents to take to social media and post photos of stores or groups not complying.

"If you are out, and you see a lot of people in the store, you see a lot of people in line, you see a lot of people at the deli counter, post a picture on social media, because we are tracking that," she said.

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-Additional reporting from Patch Reporter Scott Souza