RI Coronavirus: Governor Pleads For Medical Help

PROVIDENCE, RI —Statewide deaths from the new coronavirus rose to 56 on the day before Easter, and the number of people who have tested positive for the virus rose more than 300 overnight, to 2,349, Gov. Gina Raimondo said Saturday.

In her daily update, Raimondo pleaded for anyone with medical training not already working, or retired from the medical professions, to lend a hand.

"I am calling on anyone out there who has any type of medical training to step up and serve," the governor said. "We are going to need you."

More than 180 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, she said.

Raimondo also asked residents not to gather in groups larger than five for the Easter holiday.

"Please resist the urge to get together for a large family gathering or with friends," she said. "The love and family are still there, but please obey social distancing. Right now we are in an incredibly critical period where we can still have a chance to make sure this virus doesn't spiral out of control."

Staying away from family who don't live in the same home could be "life-saving," she said. Health officials suggesting connecting with loved ones via videochat or phone.

Raimondo said following the social distancing measures would help get people back to work earlier.

"Don't go out if you don't need to," she said. "I want you to ask yourself, 'Is it really essential that you go out today to buy supplies for that home improvement project?' "

For people with loved ones in nursing homes:

The latest deaths including one person in their 50s, one in their 60s, and five in their 80s, state officials said. The deaths highlight how vulnerable older people are, especially those in nursing homes.

The state said it asked facilities not to allow visitors during the holiday, and officials asked family members not send packages or flowers to avoid increasing the number of people coming in and out at the homes.

"We know this is stern," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the state Department of Health.

For those needing help:

Raimondo directed people who are feeling alone, or cut off during the holiday to call for support: BHLink 414-LINK

On Working After COVID-19:

Officials have said a number of employers are asking for doctors' notes before employees return to work. However, health officials say this could overwhelm the health care system.

You can return to work without a doctor's note, as long as it has been seven full days since symptoms started and as long as you have had no fever for the last three days of the illness, without medication, and you that you have no other symptoms, public health officials said.

Hospitals:

The governor said the state has enough caretakers, and because of social distancing rules it has allowed hospitals to help prep for a surge.

"If you get sick, we are going to be able to care for you," she said.

Existing hospitals have prepared surge plans to operate up to 130 percent more than normal.

Friday she signed an executive order to give hospitals more flexibility and to operate at alternate sites. She also signed an order permitting retired professionals to return to work.

"I'm giving them flexibility that they need in order to meet the needs of the crisis," she said.

Although three makeshift hospitals have sprung up, she said these are not going to second-rate facilities.

"These are going to be top-class health care facilities where you can get care and get better," she said.

The goal is to have at least one of the new pop-up hospitals running in the next two or three weeks, according to the governor.

Watch the governor's update:

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- Patch reporter Scott Souza also contributed to this article.

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