Rhode Island malls reopening; inmate tests positive

The Providence Place Mall is seen on March 16, 2020. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s malls are preparing to welcome shoppers Monday as the state moves into phase 2 of its economic restart.

Providence Place and the Warwick Mall were both scheduled to reopen late in the morning. Both were closed in mid-March in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The shopping centers are placing hand-sanitizing stations in common areas, and will undergo frequent cleanings. At Providence Place, the food court will be open but with adjusted seating to maintain social distancing.

Providence Place is also offering curbside pickup.

Hair stylists, nail salons, gyms, and child care centers are among the businesses being allowed to open with restrictions on Monday. Restaurants will also be allowed to offer indoor dining, but with limited capacity.

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INMATE TESTS POSITIVE

An inmate at Rhode Island’s maximum security state prison has tested positive for the coronavirus, a prisons spokesman said.

The positive test Sunday was part of ongoing testing protocol at the Adult Correctional Institution’s Maximum Security facility, state Department of Corrections spokesman J.R. Ventura told WPRI-TV.

A total of five sentenced inmates and 14 staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus, he said.

“Our safety planning and proactive approach have generated positive results, placing us among the safest correctional institutions in the country,” Ventura said.

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