Rhode Island reports 11 new COVID-19 deaths, 49 new cases

The Rhode Island State House. File photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island officials on Wednesday reported 11 new coronavirus deaths and 49 new positive cases.

That brings the state’s virus death toll to 876. The state has reported more than 16,200 positive cases. Nearly 130 people are hospitalized, according to data released by the state.

There were 17 patients in intensive care. That’s an increase of one patient from the previous day. Thirteen patients were on ventilators.

Besides the 49 tests that came back positive, about 2,800 tests came back negative — representing a positive test rate of less than 2 percent, according to the state.

Gov. Gina Raimondo said the positive testing rate has been higher in more densely populated areas of Rhode Island, but added that even in more urban communities, results were improving.

The Democrat said the positive testing rate in Providence has been below 10 percent for the past few days compared to around 18% or 19% at the end of May.

Tests would also soon be available at four Stop & Shop locations for asymptomatic individuals, she said.

The locations are in Cranston and Pawtucket and two in Providence.

Each of these locations can perform 30 tests a day — on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. Each of the sites has the capacity to test 30 patients per day.

Raimondo said she plans to release more details of Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan at her next briefing on Friday.

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