Editor's note: This story appears on our websites as part of a partnership between Beacon Communications and East Bay Newspapers to share coverage of the COVID-19 crisis.
Rhode Island’s economy will “slowly, steadily and safely” reemerge from its forced temporary closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Gina Raimondo said during her Saturday, May 9, press briefing from the State House as her executive order lifting some stay-at-home restrictions took full effect.
The governor reminded residents as of May 9, the state was “officially putting our toe in the water” as part of Phase 1 of her reopening plan, but that the process will be one of “baby steps” and that people need to “keep your social network limited…That’s the name of the game.”
Gov. Raimondo continued, “We’re in a very good place, a stable place, but it’s a tentative place so we’re going to take it slow.”
She added, referring to the Phase 1 mandates, “I only want to reopen the economy once…That's why we need to stay close to home, follow the rules and keep your social networking small.”
Data update
Gov. Raimondo and Director of Health Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott provided an update on the COVID-19 data from the previous day, announcing 210 new cases and 19 fatalities, ranging in age from their 60s to 90s.
A total of 292 patients remain hospitalized, 72 were in intensive care and 56 were on ventilators.
Responding to a question from the media, Dr. Alexander Scott reported of those deceased due to the coronavirus 24 percent were between the age of 70-79, 32 percent were 80-89 and 23 percent were 90-99.
“We haven’t reached the point where we like to be, to see a decline,” the governor said. “We’re not out of the woods. We have not rounded the curve…That’s why we need to move slowly.”
Announcements
The governor made a series of announcements, which she said would hopefully provide “comfort to Rhode Islanders struggling financially” during the pandemic, especially in recent weeks as they remained out of work for an extended period of time.
Gov. Raimondo explained, “It’s not the end of our story. It’s the beginning of standing our economy back up and coming out the other side stronger and more resilient than when we went into it.”
The announcements were as follows:
Business outreach
The governor reminded businesses of the requirements associated with reopening during Phase 1, including the need to attest and return forms showing compliance with state health and safety guidelines. The governor asked for “patience and flexibility” from proprietors as the mandates are enacted.
She also announced a new email address where businesses can reach officials with any concerns or recommendations, covidplan@reopeningri.com
Mother's Day
Both the governor and director once more implored residents not to gather in large groups as they celebrate Mother's Day on May 10, Dr. Alexander-Scott specifically asking people to refrain from visiting their relatives at nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
“We remind you again, love mom, but please no big gatherings,” Gov. Raimondo said. “This year we’ll find different ways to love her because we don’t want to be gathering in groups of 10, 15, 20 people at a time.”
During Phase 1 of reopening the state, gatherings are still limited to no more than five and should contain those within a limited social circle, the governor added.
Briefing schedule
Gov. Raimondo announced she will not hold a briefing Sunday, May 10, due to Mothers Day and that going forward the schedule of daily public avails will be decreased slightly.
The briefings will run each Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. as has mostly been the case throughout the pandemic, but will no longer be held on weekends.
6 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Straightnnarrow
Oh mommy, mommy, please don't leave us!
You have been with us every day for weeks and we feel safe and so essential when you talk to us, but now we won't know what to do. Who will feed us, nurture us and scold us when you are gone? We won't be bad and break your rules. Please come back!
Sunday, May 10, 2020 Report this
wwkvoter
igor I was nervous too, but it's only two days each week. we'll have to just try...
Sunday, May 10, 2020 Report this
Wuggly
Why not "Fast, steadily and safely?
Here's a thought, you tell us what the risk is and We the People decide if We the People want to take it.
Try to keep in mind the U.S. is founded on Individual Liberty not collective will.
Sunday, May 10, 2020 Report this
Justanidiot
our bodies, our rights. oops, that only counts if you are liberal and talking about abortion
Monday, May 11, 2020 Report this
wwkvoter
We need to follow her directives, because the consequences of resisting are simply not worth it. For those of us who are male, and married, we already have the necessary skill to do that. Just use it.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 Report this
perky4175
now she cant even hold a straight face whil speaking she forgets things that she said days ago
she keeps rolling her eyes nothing but a liar still would like to know where 125 mil went she cant account for it
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 Report this