Here is a summary of Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo's daily press conference on Wednesday 5/13:
- COVID-19 Testing Update
- Strategy is to continue to test everyone with current symptoms (Currently 2,000-3,000 people per day), and being able to quickly respond to any concentrated outbreaks.
- Rapid testing becoming a new focus for any outbreaks at businesses or schools.
- Testing capacity has increased in hot spots. i.e. Testing capacity has tripled in Woonsocket recently.
- Random testing program continues at two new testing sites in Providence, by invitation only: Stop & Shop stores on Manton Ave. and West River St. No walk-ups. Only those who receive a testing invitation letter may participate.
- Goal, as previously stated, is 10,000 tests per day in July and 15,000+ tests per day in September.
- State of RI will supply small businesses (fewer than 50 employees) with vouchers for a 30 day supply of masks and cleaning supplies.
- Businesses must show that they have written a COVID-19 Control Plan.
- State will also supply businesses with fewer than 25 employees with free laptop computers.
- Info on this program available at https://commerceri.com/
- Find a template for your COVID-19 Control Plan at: https://www.reopeningri.com/
- Microsoft supplying 1,000 laptops to low income students for distance learning.
- New data for Wednesday 5/13:
- New cases= 221. Total is now 221
- New fatalities= 18. Total to date: 462