PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island reported no new COVID-19 related fatalities on Friday.
The death toll from the pandemic remained at 2,660, with 259 new cases.
Hospitalizations rose slightly to 147, with 27 patients in the intensive care unit and 21 on ventilators.
The data also show more than 345,000 Rhode Islanders are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while nearly 510,000 have gotten their first shot.
Another 12,000 appointments were to be posted on VaccinateRI.org at 5 p.m. Friday.
Walk-up sites are also now open at two sites in Rhode Island on Friday and Saturday with no appointment needed.
Anyone age 16 or older can show up at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to get a shot.
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MASK DISPUTE
A Rhode Island man has been accusing of assaulting a worker at a Walmart store in North Smithfield over an apparent dispute about a mask.
WJAR-TV reports that North Smithfield police said the man got into a confrontation with the worker, who is under 18, on Tuesday.
Police said the worker asked the man to put a mask on his toddler, then walked away saying he was going to get a manager.
The man grabbed the employee, put him in a choke hold and punched him, according to police. The worker had a bruise but didn’t seek medical treatment.
Police said they contacted Michael Caro, 34, of Woonsocket after receiving a tip. Caro turned himself in, was charged with simple assault and battery and disorderly conduct and released with a court summons.
