Seven more Rhode Islanders have died as a result of COVID-19, the state Department of Health announced Sunday, while a forecast calling for heavy rain and wind will close outdoor testing sites across the state on Monday.
There was no statewide daily briefing on Easter Sunday, with Gov. Gina Raimondo instead delivering a video message to the state alongside her husband, Andy Moffit. The Department of Health announced the new deaths and the test site closures in a press release.
Another 316 Rhode Islanders have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 2,665 since March 1. As of Sunday, 17,685 people in the state had tested negative for the virus.
As of Sunday, 201 Rhode Islanders were hospitalized in connection with the COVID-19. Of those, 50 were being treated in ICUs.
The new deaths include two people in their 60s, two people in their 70s, two people in their 80s and one person in their 90s. The state has now seen 63 deaths associated with the novel coronavirus.
The testing sites that are being closed Monday include those at URI, CCRI, Rhode Island College, Kent Hospital, Newport Hospital, Westerly Hospital and Twin River Casino. Respiratory clinics with outdoor tents will also be closed.
The state has advised health care providers not to schedule appointments for Monday, and anyone with an existing Monday appointment will be automatically rescheduled to Tuesday at the same time.
Ahead of Monday’s anticipated storm, National Grid issued its own statement Sunday regarding its preparations. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong sustained winds and high gusts to the region between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
National Grid considers the storm to be a Type 3 event - meaning almost 30 percent of its Rhode Island customers could be impacted for 72 hours once restoration work can safely begin. The company said it has secured more than 200 external line crews to assist the existing 200 internal line crews across the region, while 200 forestry crews will be available to provide assistance.
“National Grid recognizes the ongoing challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and has been monitoring the potential weather conditions for several days,” the company’s statement reads. “The Company has been securing additional resources to support potential restoration needs and collaborating with local and state agencies to ensure that it's prepared for the storm and its aftermath.”
Outages can be reported online at nationalgridus.com, by calling 1-800-465-1212 or by testing “OUT” to 64743. Active electricity customers can test “REG” to 64743 to receive personalized alerts and updates regarding local outages.
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thepilgrim
All the comments I’ve made warning that this Covid 19 is a hoax and a Psyop have been deleted. Guess the Beacon is also fully on board the effort to deceived the most gullible public.
Sunday, April 12, 2020 Report this
Straightnnarrow
Why are Greta Thunburg, David Attenborg, Lincoln Chafee, Sheldon Whitehouse, Bernie Sanders and all the Democratic Socialists salivating now as our economy is drastically reduced with millions out of work? The CCP Wuhan Virus lock down has forced their hated fossil fuel industry on its back because few planes, cars, buildings & plants are operational, and CO2 emissions have been reduced dramatically. They would like nothing more than to make this change permanent by their Climate Change regulations; through the GREEN NEW DEAL!
Monday, April 13, 2020 Report this
wwkvoter
"America will NEVER BE a socialist country"
- President Donald Trump
Monday, April 13, 2020 Report this
Cat2222
@Robert
If it is a hoax, what are people dying from at such an alarming rate?
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Report this
JohnStark
Cat, Your question is a reasonable one. First, people are NOT "dying at an alarming rate." In RI, about 8 people out of every 100,000 have died. While every death is a tragedy, virtually all of them had pre-existing conditions, mostly severe, and probably would have passed from the flu in the near future. By comparison, NH has one-third the number of infections, one-third the number of deaths, with 30% more in population. Ponder that!
Allow me to hypothesize what's going to happen from here. The president will set standards for re-opening of the economy. Those conditions will be met by states with Republican governors. That's because Democrat governors are hoping to undermine this economy as long as possible. It serves two purposes:
1. Provides ammunition to batter the president.
2. Makes as many citizens as possible dependent upon government.
Look for the word "reckless" to be used extensively going forward, as many states are opened to a normal economy while others remain, well, dependent. I'll leave it up to posters into which category RI falls.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Report this