Rhode Island's State Of Emergency Extended To July

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's coronavirus pandemic state of emergency has been extended another month. Gov. Dan McKee signed the supplemental executive order Thursday.

Then-Gov. Gina Raimondo first declared a state of emergency in Rhode Island on March 9, 2020. At that time, few cases had been reported in the state, and the move was made to allow the governor greater flexibility in responding to the ever-changing situation.

"We need to take action," Raimondo said at the time. "I want every tool at my disposal."

During one of the state's biweekly coronavirus news conferences, McKee said he and other leaders were having "ongoing discussions" about when would be an appropriate time to lift the order. As of June 6, no date had been set, he said.

The order will be lifted "when it makes sense," he said at the time.