2 New Coronavirus Cases in RI, Total Now 23: Raimondo Urges RI to Ready for Continuation of Crisis
GoLocalProv News Team and Reynaldo Almonte for Latino Public Radio
2 New Coronavirus Cases in RI, Total Now 23: Raimondo Urges RI to Ready for Continuation of Crisis
"Since we last spoke, Rhode Island has 2 new cases — one [is] a man in his 50s with a recent travel history to the UK and Germany. The second case is a woman in her 40s. They’re both at home and recovering," said Rhode Island Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAlexander Scott said that there are now 403 negative tests in total -- and that there are over 3,000 Rhode Islanders in self-quarantine.
Relief for Rhode Islanders
Raimondo spoke to economic measures being taken to assist Rhode Islanders, including a recovery fund being administered by the Rhode Island Foundation and United Way.
"[The recovery fund] has raised $1.5 million -- money to be made available to nonprofits to help the most vulnerable," said Raimondo, who said that some of the companies who have "stepped up" to give so far include Bank of America, National Grid, Hasbro, Amica. "If you’re in a position to give, please call the RI Foundation or United Way. For social service agencies, call United Way and RI Foundation."
Raimondo also spoke to measures being taken to enable businesses to allow employees to work from home.
"A special thanks to businesses — I want to thank all of you allowing your employees to work from home and paying them," said Raimondo.
"Last week I reached to Microsoft — I spoke with manufacturers who said they wanted people to work from home," said Raimondo. "Microsoft is providing its Office 365 software for free to all business. This extends to businesses of all sizes. Microsoft has a extended a special benefit — all businesses can access the software for free for the next 6 months. "
Raimondo noted that the state’s Department of Technology has the lead on the initiative and can be accessed at — www.doit.ri.gov.
Disaster Declaration Approved -- Schools Announcement Coming Tomorrow
"We’ve applied for a disaster declaration - the SBA has approved our request," said Raimondo. "There are now loans available through the SABA for up to $2M for working capital as we get through this. I would direct you to the SBA."
"I know there’s anxiety among parents and teachers related to schools — I’m hoping to make an announcement around that tomorrow for further guidance — and I want to do this as a state," said Raimondo.
"It’s still going to get worse before it gets better. But we’ll absolutely get through it as safely as possible," she said.