Raimondo announces more restrictions as state sets daily record for new cases

Updated at 1:59 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2020.

CASES OF COVID-19 in Rhode Island increased by 566 on Wednesday. / COURTESY R.I. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

PROVIDENCE – Seven new restrictions were announced by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo on Thursday that are meant to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

These restrictions will begin on Sunday, Nov. 8 and will be in effect for two weeks. Raimondo said an alert will go off on cell phones at noon on Nov. 8.

Stay Ahead of Winter Respiratory Illnesses: Expert Advice from South County Health Express Care Providers

As winter progresses, so does the season of respiratory illnesses. Colds, the flu, RSV, and…

Learn More

“Then it’s game on,” said Raimondo.

NEW RESTRICTIONS in rhode Island are set to take effect on Nov. 8. / COURTESY STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
NEW RESTRICTIONS in rhode Island are set to take effect on Nov. 8. / COURTESY STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Similarly to guidance that was recently announced by Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker and Conn. Gov. Ned Lamont, Rhode Island will have a stay-at-home advisory that will begin at 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and end at 5:00 a.m. On weekends, the advisory will begin at 10:30 p.m.

- Advertisement -

Raimondo said she wants Rhode Islanders in their own homes by the 10:00 or 10:30 time, not in someone else’s home. However, she said that police will not be pulling over cars and the state will not take a heavy-handed approach.

In addition, all restaurants, bars, gyms, recreational facilities and personal services must end service at 10:00 p.m. on weeknights and 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Restaurants can stay open later for take-out and drive-thru service.

Raimondo said to help these restaurants and bars, which could be heavily impacted by these new restrictions, all Rhode Island restaurants will be able to have access to grants that will range in amount from $2,000 to $10,000, based on how much business they will be losing.

These businesses will have to self-attest that they will be impacted, and Raimondo said they should expect funds within 30 days from the R.I. Division of Taxation.

“I hope it’s something to help you out,” said Raimondo, who recognized that $10,000 or less will not make up for all of these businesses’ losses.

The governor said more information on these grants will be made available Monday at tax.ri.gov.

The indoor venue capacity, which includes performing arts venues, movie theaters and houses of worship, is limited to 50% with a maximum of 125 people. The outdoor venue limit is 66% with a maximum of 150 people.

Catered events will have a limit of 25 people indoors and 75 outdoors, with the exception of previously-scheduled weddings. Raimondo said those planning a previously-scheduled wedding should call the R.I. Department of Business Regulations for an exception.

Big box stores’ capacity limit will return to Phase II standards, limited to one person per 150 square feet ahead of the holidays.

Businesses are being asked to cancel any non-essential work-related travel, said Raimondo.

Masks will be required when with people that are outside of the household, including outside and in gyms.

After last week’s regulations closed many indoor sports facilities, such as hockey rinks, Raimondo said that two spectators per athletes under 18 will be allowed starting Monday, Nov. 9. Both spectators and athletes must wear face coverings for both practices and games. Raimondo said that the state will also be enforcing stricter controls on locker rooms, where many have been gathering and has caused spread of the virus.

The governor’s briefing comes as cases of COVID-19 in Rhode Island increased by 566 Wednesday, with eight more deaths, the R.I. Department of Health said Thursday.

The increase in cases was the largest day-to-day increase in identified cases in the state since the beginning of the pandemic. The most recent record for most cases in a single day took place on Oct. 29, with 528 cases.

“Still, not a good news story,” said Raimondo. “All the arrows are pointing in the wrong direction.”

Cases of the virus in the state have totaled 35,750 to date, an increase of 628 from figures reported Wednesday, accounting for both the day-to-day increase and data revisions from previous days.

Deaths in the state due to COVID-19 have totaled 1,222.- –

Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients totaled 182, an increase from 169 one day prior. Of those hospitalized, 20 were in intensive care units and 11 were on ventilators.

There were 15,785 tests processed Wednesday, with a positive rate of 3.6%. When excluding both repeat positive and repeat negative test results, the positive rate was 16.8%.

There have been 1.2 million tests administered in the state to 450,428 individuals.

“We’re not alone. Cases are spiking all over the world,” she said.

Raimondo claimed that the state has seen teenagers in Rhode Island who have said they want “super spreader” parties.

“It’s not a joke… people will lose their lives… lose their loved ones… businesses will go out of business,” said Raimondo.

The governor said “if the parties don’t stop,” she will be back in two weeks with shut down orders.

This story has been updated to include information from the governor’s press conference.

No posts to display