The total number or coronavirus cases in Rhode Island has reached 5,500, as state officials announce 394 new cases on Tuesday. With 16 new fatalities, the total number of COVID-19 related deaths is 171. There are 271 people hospitalized with the virus in RI, including 67 in ICU and 43 on ventilators. 293 people formerly infected with the virus have since been discharged from area hospitals.
Earlier in the day, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that all Mass. schools will remain closed through the end of school year and distance learning will continue. Governor Gina Raimondo has said that she is not yet prepared to make an announcement about RI schools and whether they will reopen this spring. She expects to make an announcement later this week. RI schools are currently scheduled to be closed through April 30th.
Governor Raimondo announced on Tuesday that the state health care system now has approximately 2 million masks on hand, as the state continues to ramp up acquisitions of personal protection equipment (PPE).
The governor also announced the availability of new housing options for front line workers who are seeking to distance themselves from their families. Brown University has offered 700 free dorm rooms for front line workers. Raimondo says that these rooms will be available to health care workers and others who want to reduce the risk of potentially passing the virus on to family members. The rooms are not intended for anyone already infected with COVID-19.
graphic: RIDOH