Gov. activates Guard, says there is no plan for a total lockdown

During her daily press briefing, Gov. Gina Raimondo made one big announcement and answered the biggest question on everyone’s mind: She has no plan to order a full lockdown in Rhode Island.

Gov. Raimondo began by announcing that she has activated the Rhode Island National Guard to be fully operational in support of state coronavirus pandemic operations. The Guard had already been called upon to support operations at virus testing stations, but she has now put the full 1,000-person Guard into service.

She also addressed the biggest question, which got even bigger last night when the State of California ordered all of its nearly 40 million residents to stay at home. Gov. Raimondo said she has been overrun with questions about a state lockdown or “shelter in place” order.

“No, I do not intend to do that. That is not part of our current planning,” the governor said.

As she explained why, she said, “We need to maintain some semblance of an economy.”

Despite the answer, she went on to speak directly to the residents of Rhode Island, pleading with them to follow the state’s guidelines to avoid any and all crowds and to stay home as much as possible.

“The better Rhode Islanders are at following these directions, the more we can avoid a total lockdown … and get back to some type of economic vitality,” Gov. Raimondo said.

Before closing the briefing, she returned to that theme and pleaded once again for everyone to stay at home.

Noting that it’s Friday afternoon and the weekend is about to begin, she talked about how, in a normal time, most people would be busy planning get-togethers, parties, teenage sleepovers, etc. “Don’t do it. This weekend could be the most critical weekend in this entire fight. We are so close to keeping a lid on this,” she said. “There are so many people who have worked so hard to contain the spread … and I feel more confident than ever. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need you to hunker down this weekend!”

She added that she spoke to Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, who described seeing crowded barbershops and groups of 50 kids playing together outside. The governor said they’re going to shut those activities down if they continue to happen.

“Hang in there with us, a bit longer, and especially this weekend, be safe,” she said.

Other topics addressed during the briefing …

The count climbs again

The number of confirmed cases grew by 10 in the past 24 hours, bringing the Rhode Island total to 54.  Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, health department director, said all 10 of the new patients are recovering at home.

Tax deadline extended

Following the lead of the federal government, Rhode Island has extended its tax deadline until July 15. Having said that, Gov. Raimondo urged every who is able to file taxes to please do so.

“If you can pay your taxes on time, please do it. We need the funds, to keep providing life-saving services. If you are in a position to pay your taxes on time, I am asking you to please do it,” she said.

Food supplies and hoarding

Asked if anything is preventing trucks from getting into Rhode Island and re-stocking grocery store shelves, the governor said no. “I’ve seen the empty shelves myself, so I know it is frustrating … Please don’t hoard. That just hurts everybody. We all need toilet paper. We all need to eat.”

Takeout alcohol

One question asked whether restaurants and bars might be allowed to do takeout bar service: “I’d like to be able to allow it. We’re working through the current regulatory barriers to see if we can do it,” the governor said.

Stay at home

Dr. Alexander-Scott reiterated the “stay at home” message. “Please, it is critical at this time, that you stay home. If you can work remotely, we need that done … Please only go out for essential needs,” she said.

“If you have symptoms, you need to stay home. It is so important that you follow the guidelines we have established.”

Expansion of testing

Many questions focused on the state’s testing capabilities. The governor began by thanking the many businesses that have already responded to yesterday’s call to private companies to help provide supplies. The state needs swabs, masks, gloves and gowns to increase its testing capacity, and there are no supplies available from the federal government. Rhode Island is turning to the private market.

“It’s top priority now,” Gov. Raimondo said. “Right now, we’re doing somewhere between 100 and 200 tests per day. We need to get to a place where we’re doing 500 to 600 per day.”

She thanked the donors, many of whom responded within the past 24 hours.

“Keep it coming. You’re all incredible. Thank you.”

Anyone who is able to donate supplies can find details at the state health department website: https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/

Makeshift/temporary medical sites

Asked about a report that the Dunkin’ Donuts Center is Providence is being considered as a possible site for patients if hospitals can’t handle capacity, Dr. Alexander-Scott said they are considering many options: “All possibilities for a makeshift site are on the table,” she said.