UPDATED: Raimondo to Close RI State Parks & Beaches - 4 New Coronavirus Deaths, 59 Hospitalized
Wednesday, April 01, 2020
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced on Tuesday that the State of Rhode Island will be shutting down state parks and beaches on April 3 to address the community spread of coronavirus.
The announcement came as Raimondo revealed there were 4 more coronavirus deaths overnight in the state for a total now of 8; 86 new cases of COVID-19 for 488 in total -- and 59 hospitalizations.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"I can't sugar coat it but you should have confidence we're on top of it," said Raimondo.
"By any measure, going from 41 to 59 [hospitalizations] in one night is significant and serious jump. We’re in a rapid spread phase of this disease," said Raimondo. "It’s going to get much harder before it gets easier. We’re readying for a couple hundred more beds. We’re calling up extra doctors and nurses — we’re working with hospitals on their surge plans."
Raimondo told Rhode Islanders to "buckle down like you never have before."
Raimondo Closing State Beaches and Parks
"Last weekend, [they] were packed, with people closely congregated and that has to end," said Raimondo of the closures going into effect April 3. "We are closing the public parks and beaches. You can’t park your car or congregate."
Rhode Island Federal Disaster Declaration Approved
"President Trump approved a disaster declaration for Rhode Island," said Raimondo. "The federal government and FEMA will be reimbursing Rhode Island for many of our expenses."
"It will give us the resources we need to fight the virus," she added.
Asking Rhode Islanders to Track Behavior
Raimondo is asking Rhode Islanders -- each day -- to write down where they have been and who they have been in contact with.
"Write down every day where you’ve been and who you’ve been in contact with," said Raimondo. "It will give us the resources we need to fight the virus."
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