COVID-19 CRISIS

THE LATEST: RI's economy will 'slowly, steadily and safely' reemerge

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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:

  • Utilities: The Public Utilities Commission voted this week to extend an order that all regulated utilities cannot be shut off or sent to collection agency through May 31. The move applies to both residential and non-residential customers.
  • Student loans: Gov. Raimondo said the state has partnered with SUMMER, an advisory service specializing in reducing student loan debt. Enrollment in the services will be offered at no cost. The governor said the program is aimed at borrowers who suffered financially by the coronavirus, specifically. Some 130,000 residents have outstanding loans and several of those are other than direct federal lending plans. For more information on the program visit https://www.meetsummer.org/covidrelief.
  • RISLA: The governor said the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority is suspending payments for up to three months, starting in May. For more information visit https://www.risla.com.
  • Food distribution: Gov. Raimondo said two non-profit organizations, Farm Fresh Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, have been approved to receive funding for the food assistance program included in the federal CARES Act. The groups, she said, will be sourcing, assembling and distributing locally produced boxes to food insecure families. The goal of the effort is to have 500 boxes delivered per week by end of May and hopefully 4,000 a week over course of summer and fall.
  • Essential supplies: Family Service of R.I. will be providing home delivery of cleaning supplies and food kits to some of the most vulnerable families. For more visit https://www.familyserviceri.org.

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.

Comments

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  • 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