Businesses closed through May 8; COVID 19 cases in northern RI remain low

PROVIDENCE – While it remains unclear if limited testing is to blame, the number of confirmed cases of COVID 19 found in northern Rhode Island communities remained low early this week, even as the statewide total jumped to 1,229.

As of Tuesday, April 7, 16 Burrillville residents had tested positive for the virus, according to data released by the state Department of Health. Five cases have been confirmed in North Smithfield, while both Foster and Glocester still had less than five.

In Woonsocket, 20 cases had been documented as of Tuesday afternoon. Nearby Smithfield had 19, and Cumberland, 34.

By comparison, 90 cases had been confirmed in Cranston, 133 in Pawtucket and 217 in Providence.

Testing efforts in Rhode Island focused at first on healthcare workers, who currently make up about one quarter of the total cases confirmed.

Gov. Gina Raimondo announced that there had been three additional deaths in the state over the past 24 hours, bringing that total to 30. Of the 123 Rhode Island residents currently hospitalized due to COVID 19, 34 are on ventilators.

Raimondo extended the state’s ban on social gatherings of more than five people to May 8. Both public recreation and entertainment business, as well as dine-in restaurants, are also currently set to remain closed until that date.

The governor said that contact tracing is a crucial element to getting the state economy back up and running, saying that all Rhode Islanders must keep a journal documenting their daily interactions.

“It is not enough to have a mental list,” Raimondo said. “You won’t remember it unless you write it down.”

She emphasized that thanks to stay-at-home orders, most days the list should be small, or limited to members of one’s immediate family.

“This isn’t an option,” Raimondo said. “I want to get this economy open. I want to get Rhode Islanders back to work.”

The state has significantly ramped up testing abilities over the past week, including set up of a drive-though site at Twin River Casino, operated by CVS Health Corp.

“I want people to get tested,” Raimondo said.

Those showing symptoms of COVID 19 are instructed – as always – to stay home, and to call their doctor to set up a test.

“If you have even a tiny cough, a headache, an upset stomach, you need to stay home,” Alexander-Scott said.

Below is the breakdown by community last updated on Tuesday, April 7.