Raimondo says testing capacity is key to reopening Rhode Island's economy

COVID-19 death toll, cases increase; new business programs, unemployment packages explained

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PROVIDENCE — Deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic increased by 10 overnight and 311 new cases were reported, Gov. Gina Raimondo and State Director of Health Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott said during their daily briefing on the crisis held Monday afternoon, April 13, from the State House.

Dr. Alexander-Scott said of the 10 who passed, two were in their 50s, one in their 70s, five in their 80s, one in their 90s. Eight of those were associated with nursing homes. The state’s coronavirus death toll reached 73. The 311 new positive patients bring the current number to 2,976, 197 of which are hospitalized. The director also noted to date 135 recovering patients have been discharged from care.

“Although these numbers are increasing very rapidly, they should not be alarming,” Gov. Raimondo said, noting officials understood there is “widespread” communal transfer of the virus and because the state has “ramped up” testing. The governor added, though the figures are striking, they do provide “a more accurate picture of what’s happening in the state of Rhode Island.”

Economic impact
The governor opened her wider remarks on the economic impacts of the virus and her decisions to combat it, saying they “weigh very heavily on me.”

She said there were no good options, rather she has been forced to choose from “bad option A or bad option B.” Gov. Raimondo stressed she is making these choices based on “evidence and science” while trying to create the least amount of damage at the present with the intent of getting people back to work as soon as possible.

“I begin every day, every meeting by asking the same question, ‘What do I need to do get people back to work, to turn the switch back on?’” the governor added. She continued, saying although the return will be gradual, her goal “is to have Rhode Island be one of the first states to get people back to work.”

Testing
Saying everyone agrees in order to reopen the economy testing must be “robust, state-wide, accessible, affordable and fast,” the governor highlighted the noticeable increase in the number of tests being performed.

Over the last two weeks, testing has grown from an average of 500 per day to just over 2,000. Forty percent of those tests have been through the 15-minute, rapid CVS test. On a per capita basis, Gov. Raimondo said Rhode Island trails only New York and Louisiana, nationally. “It’s a remarkable achievement,” the governor said, adding “we’re not done. We have a lot more do.”

To that end, she highlighted three areas of emphasis: mobile testing for congregate living settings; more inner-city testing sites to increase walk-up access; and the need to build up housing capacity to isolate positive patients.

Nursing homes
Of the total COVID-19 related deaths, Dr. Alexander-Scott said 55 were related to four nursing homes.

Because of that, she said the state is attempting to work closely with them, especially on protocols for screening workers. The director said anyone who shows symptoms of the virus needs to stay home and recover there. That especially applies to healthcare workers.

Dr. Alexander-Scott implored any retired nurses, CNAs or other healthcare professionals who are able to help out at nursing homes to do so, saying, “We need you.” Those interested can contact the state at www.riresponds.org.

Business loan programs
The governor reminded owners the federal Small Business Association (SBA) program is available and taking applications. Most of the loans are forgivable if their employees remain employed. Owners must apply through an existing SBA lender.

Gov. Raimondo said as her administration continues to work on finding additional resources she announced a collaborative with Goldman Sachs committing $10 million for small businesses. The effort is in conjuction
with Rhode Island Commerce and Community Reinvestment Fund.

Small businesses or non-profits that can’t access the federal SBA program can apply at commerceri.com or by calling 401-521-help. Loans as much as $250,000 are available immediately and are also largely forgivable if entities continue to maintain employees.

Unemployment
The governor attempted to dispense with confusion over unemployment programs and new practices implemented by the federal government while “begging” those in need of benefits for patience.

She noted some 144,000 Rhode Islanders have filed in recent weeks. Gov. Raimondo said any new filings should be done online, making sure every piece of information is accurate because if not it will slow down the process.

Gov. Raimondo said there are three ways people are eligible for benefits, two of which are rather straightforward: standard, if you are laid off from either a full or part-time job; new through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for those out of work specifically due to the crisis such as independent contractors, GIG workers, self-employed, small business owners or other professions such as hairdressers and barbers. Both also include federal aid in the form of an additional $600 per week through July.

The third way is a bit more difficult: For those people who haven’t been laid off, but are so affected by the crisis  a doctor says they can’t work. The governor said this is the hardest benefit to receive and will take longest to get a check.

Schools
Gov. Raimondo commended all those involved in education, as she said schools are entering their fifth week of distance learning. She lauded the efforts of students, most of whom are “doing great, being creative and reading.”

She added, “Overall it’s not perfect. It’s pretty good, it’s better than pretty good.”

In saying that, the governor did concede the most vulnerable are most affected. She said some 90 percent-plus of families have access to wifi through extended programs, but admitted officials “need to do more.”

As part of that effort, the Rhode Island Foundation received donations of $100,000 for computers and wifi for children still without. The governor encouraged those so inclined to donate to the foundation by visiting rifoundation.org.

On what the future holds for schools, she said she will have a decision on how the rest of the 2019-20 term will be addressed later this week, following a meeting with superintendents on April 14 and more review of available data.

Questions
Among the most pertinent questions to East Bay residents the governor took from the press Monday was one about residents crossing state lines to shop.

Gov. Raimondo, admitting she was interpreting rules stringently through at least May 8, said Rhode Islanders who shop in Massachusetts should and must self-quarantine for 14 days. She said, although social distancing measures like this may be “extreme, they are working.”

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