NEW: 77 New Coronavirus Cases in RI, 60 Hospitalized - Raimondo Launches Small Biz Bridge Loans

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

GoLocalProv News Team

 

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Raimondo made the latest announcements Wednesday at the Rhode Island State House.

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced Wednesday the latest coronavirus numbers -- as well as new state initiatives for small businesses, people in need of groceries, and more.

Raimondo announced two more coronavirus deaths in the past day for 10 total; 77 new confirmed cases for a total of 566, and a total of 60 people currently in the hospital. 

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"We’ve been at this exactly for 1 month," said Raimondo. "It is astounding how much we as a state have accomplished in mounting the fight against coronavirus."

"We’re getting ready for the surge, and then we’ll be fine," she added. "There will be more sick people, more fatalities — it will be tough — but we have a team getting us ready."

Modeling "Coming Next Week" 

As GoLocal reported Wednesday, Rhode Island officials have refused to release modeling for coronavirus estimates in the state.

"We are working to finalize our model — I’m not putting one out until it’s complete and ready and accurate as can be. Sometime next week I’ll share with you the best estimates on the model," said Raimondo.

"There will be a surge and a steep increase — and number that won’t make anyone comfortable — when the surge comes, I don’t know right now. We’re working on it," said Raimondo. "The single most important variable is the level of compliance with social distancing."

New Programs Launched

Raimondo announced Wednesday a new program for small businesses -- and more. 

"Very soon the federal government stimulus will kick in, [but] that $1.2 billion is weeks away," said Raimondo. "I need you to call the [Small Business Administration] and get that application in process. If you can’t wait, we in the state are launching a short term bridge loan program for [businesses with] 10 or fewer employees designed to get you immediate cash for the bridge to the SBA, for the bridge to the federal government [assistance]."

"It's a $2 million fund -- a million from [Rhode Island] Commerce and million from Bank Newport. Other banks can pitch in another million bucks. These businesses can’t wait," said Raimondo.

"I’m talking thousands of dollars [for businesses], not tens of thousands," said Raimondo, who said it could be "quickly available" first applying through the SBA, and urged Rhode Island businesses to call  521-HELP.

"I have a feeling we’re going to run through that $2 million very quickly," she said. 

Reopening Economy

"Going back to work won’t be flip of the switch," said Raimondo of when the economy will reopen. "It will be industry by industry with new regulations and standards."

Raimondo also spoke to a new home grocery delivery service the state launched Wednesday as well. 

"We have a new service — RIDelivers.com," said Raimondo. "It’s a food delivery service. If you’re stuck at home we need you to say at home."

Raimondo said it is being administered in partnership with Roch's grocery store. 

"Whenever possible, I want to use local talent and local businesses," she said.

 

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