Gov. Raimondo: 'Pause' extended to Dec. 20

Rhode Island’s ‘pause’ has been extended another week, expiring now on Dec. 20, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced during her COVID-19 briefing Thursday afternoon.

Originally, that set of restrictions was set to expire this Sunday, Dec. 13.

But the current data continues to paint an “alarming picture” in Rhode Island, Gov. Raimondo said, as hospitalizations average over 60 admissions every day – a number higher than during the spring’s peak – and a weekly percent positivity rate of nearly 9 percent. The state also ranked first in the nation for having the most number of cases per 100,000, she added – due in part to its dense, older population, high level of testing and amount of multigenerational homes, though none of these factors should serve as “an excuse.”

“That is not a distinction that we want to have,” Gov. Raimondo said.

And though there was some evidence that the ‘pause’ is working – mobility has been down since Nov. 25, an indicator that cases will subsequently decrease – it was not to “the level that I had hoped to see,” she said. There was no “significant decline” in the percent positivity rate, nor a decrease in hospitalizations, to justify ending the ‘pause’ this weekend.

“If we continue to stay home as much as possible, for that week, for next week, I believe that it will have the impact that we need,” Gov. Raimondo said.

Staying home, wearing a mask, getting tested often – these were all things Rhode Islanders could be doing in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“Do what it takes to protect your household,” she said.

Life after the ‘pause’

When the ‘pause’ does expire at the end of next week, Gov. Raimondo outlined what life will look like afterward. Starting Dec. 21, the following new restrictions will be in place through the end of the year:

• Indoor dining. Indoor dining will be limited to 50 percent capacity, with early closures and one-household-per-table limitations still in effect.
• Venues of assembly. Venues of assembly will be limited to 25 percent capacity, with a maximum of 125 people.
• Gyms and sports facilities. Gyms and sports facilities will be restricted to one person per 150 sq. ft.
• Indoor recreation. Indoor recreation facilities will be restricted to one person per 150 sq. ft.

Meanwhile, Gov. Raimondo said the current regulations surrounding K-12 schooling, childcare, manufacturing and construction, personal services, retail, houses of worship, bar areas and social gatherings will remain as-is through the end of 2020.

“We can’t go from a pause to flipping the switch," Gov. Raimondo said. "It has to be a slow dial-up of our economy."

Vaccine distribution timeline

Some Rhode Islanders could be receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this month, Department of Health infectious disease specialist Dr. Philip Chan said during Thursday’s briefing. Vaccines will require two doses in order to be effective, with several weeks needed between each dose. 

“This to me is really the beginning of the end,” he said.

Dr. Chan laid out a tentative timeline for its distribution while noting that it was subject to change:

• December through February. High-risk healthcare workers, first-responders and long-term care facility resident would be amongst the first to get the vaccine, as well as those with significant comorbid conditions and older adults in overcrowded or congregate settings.
• February through April. K-12 teachers, staff and childcare workers would receive the vaccine in Phase Two, as well as critical workers in high-risk settings; people in group homes, homeless shelters and staff; incarcerated or detained people and staff; older adults and those with moderate comorbid conditions.
• April through June. Children, young adults and workers in critical industries would receive the vaccine during this time, as well as anyone who did not have access to it previously.

Business relief and unemployment extended

In light of the ‘pause’ extension, Gov. Raimondo said that they will continue the current business relief program for another week.

For those who have not already applied to the program at tax.ri.gov, the deadline to do so has been extended until midnight this Monday, Dec. 14. These businesses will receive a check for all three weeks of the pause, Gov. Raimondo said. For those businesses who have already applied, she said that they will automatically receive another check to cover lost revenues during the third week of the ‘pause.’

“We will get the check on the way to you,” Gov. Raimondo said.

She was also extending the additional $200 weekly unemployment benefit another week, Gov. Raimondo added.

 K-12 testing

 In an effort to give students, parents and teachers “peace of mind,” Gov. Raimondo announced on Thursday that starting in early January, they will be offering on-site asymptomatic testing to “any school district who wants it.” It will be in addition to the current testing system in place for K-12, she added, not replacing it.  

“I hope (this) is evidence to teachers how much we care, and evidence to our kids and parents how much we care,” Gov. Raimondo said.