No More Reopening In RI Until Coronavirus Vaccine: Governor

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Islanders shouldn't expect too many changes to the state's coronavirus regulations in the coming weeks and months, Gov. Gina Raimondo said during a televised interview last week. Loosened regulations aren't likely until a vaccine is ready for distribution, she said.

"I'm not inclined to do any [more] changes until we have a vaccine," Raimondo said in a televised interview with WPRI. "As much as I would love to relax some of these restrictions, I'm confident that's not the right thing to do."

Raimondo pointed to the recent trends of the state's coronavirus data to back up her position, including several outbreaks at universities and transmission from small group gatherings.

"It's not a trend we want to see," Raimondo said of the rising case numbers, while noting that the overall percent positive rate is still below two percent, which is well within the range of safety. "It's small family gatherings, small group gatherings [that are an issue.] ... That's what we think are driving this increase."

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