WPRO News and The Associated Press

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is calling on private companies to help the state replenish its stockpile of medical supplies for responding to the coronavirus pandemic, and said she is not considering issuing “shelter in place” orders to lessen the spread of the virus.

The Democrat said Thursday that the state needs specialized swabs to collect virus samples for testing, as well as personal protective equipment like masks, gloves and gowns to keep health care workers safe.

She’s hoping local medical supply companies, manufacturers, research labs, dentists and other businesses that might stock the equipment can step up.

Health officials also said Thursday the state now has more than 40 confirmed cases of the virus, up 11 from Wednesday. Two people are currently hospitalized, and of 44 cases, five are healthcare workers.

Also Thursday, the University of Rhode suspended face-to-face classes for the remainder of the spring semester, and will conduct classes online only.

“Right now, we’re a step ahead of the virus, and right now we’re not overwhelmed, we never want to get overwhelmed,” Raimondo told reporters in a daily briefing.

She also issued a warning against price gouging as illegal, and said that with courts suspended through mid-April, Rhode Islanders should not be worried about being evicted.

Banks, Raimondo said, remain open, though she cautioned people needing cash to use ATMs instead of walking into banks and branches.