By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Ten people ranging in age from their 20s to 70s were diagnosed with coronavirus in Rhode Island from Tuesday into Wednesday, state officials said. They did not identify the ten, but they said there were seven female and three male.
“These individuals have traveled to a number of locations,” said Rhode Island Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, “including Iceland, Amsterdam, Spain, England and France.” She said four are hospitalized, and one is expected to be released today, while the others are recovering at home.
Governor Gina Raimondo said all public schools in Rhode Island would remain closed through at least April 3, and school districts were submitting plans for distance, or remote learning.
“I’m not going to sugar coat it. This is different, it’s never been done before,” Raimondo said, adding, “I think we’re ready to do it.”
“We’re taking this a day at a time, in the case of schools, two weeks at a time. My most honest answer is, I think it’s very unlikely,” she said, when asked whether schools might reopen after the April 3 date.
“We’re going to get through the next two weeks, and some of it depends on how well we do with the distance learning.”
Raimondo said the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers had ordered all utilities to suspend shutoffs of gas, electric or water during the emergency.
She said the state was inundated with applications for unemployment benefits, but would accommodate them.
Raimondo said she opposes any suspension in the sales tax to help restaurants shuttered by the emergency, and does not favor extending the April 15 tax deadline.
Raimondo also signed an executive order broadening health insurance companies’ instructions to provide coverage for ‘telemedicine’, or remote visits with medical and behavioral health professionals.
