Slight Rise In RI's Coronavirus Hospitalizations Ahead Of Reopen

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island saw a slight uptick in coronavirus hospitalizations over the last week, as the state prepares for across-the-board looser restrictions on businesses. Overall, the state remains in a good place when it comes to coronavirus trends, with both hospitalizations and the overall percent positivity still within safe ranges.

The percent positivity rate held steady over the past week at 2 percent. Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said last week that this is a good place to be.

Cases per 100,000 people also increased very slightly over the past week, rising from 221 to 225. This is the only one of the three key indicators that is still higher than the safe threshold of 100 or fewer.

Last week, Gov. Dan McKee announced the most reopening measures in the state since before the winter surge and "pause" to slow the rising tide of cases. Starting Friday, the social gathering limit will be raised to 15 people indoors or 50 people outside and many businesses including funeral homes, venues of assembly and offices will be allowed to expand to 50 percent capacity. Restaurants, which last week were allowed to lower table spacing from 8 feet to 6 feet, will move to 75 percent indoor capacity. Read more here.

Despite the quickly accelerating vaccine program and improving data, Alexander-Scott, McKee and other state leaders are urging Rhode Islanders not to let their guard down just yet. Until a large percentage of the state's population can receive the vaccine, it's important to continue to strictly follow safety guidelines, especially keeping social distance and wearing masks.

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