Politics & Government
Coronavirus In RI: Gov. Raimondo Hosts Twitter Q&A
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo answered coronavirus questions about takeout food, unemployment benefits, Easter and more.
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Gina Raimondo has repeatedly asked Rhode Island residents to ignore some of the noise on television and social media about the coronavirus — and instead to watch her daily briefings for facts regarding how the state is responding the health emergency. On Thursday, she tried to reach different audiences with a news conference for students and a question-and-answer session on Twitter.
The Twitter session lasted about 20 minutes and included answers to a range of questions, from the safety of takeout and delivery, to those desperate for financial relief amid small business closings and layoffs, to what to do about Easter dinner.
Here are some of the questions Gov. Raimondo was asked and her responses:
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On why it is still considered OK to get takeout and delivery food when dine-in restaurant service is suspended:
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Experts say that delivery and takeout are still safe. The most important thing is not standing close to people in line while you wait. Make sure you have at least 6 feet of distance. And always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before eating. #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/3kmbJFq1JR
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
In response to a 28-year-old who is scared because she was just informed she has been furloughed:
I'm so sorry to hear this. It's important to know that if you can’t pay your rent, you can’t be evicted right now. Courts which hear evictions are closed until April 17. All regulated utilities will not shut off service or send bills to collection agencies through April 15. https://t.co/XC1tBcIMIU
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
How residents can help:
We need help from all medical and behavioral health professionals. If you’re retired or not working full time, I’m calling you up. Please go to https://t.co/mGqyIS9C62 to register. #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/kPlkNNdo0n
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
Go to our newly launched https://t.co/CuG2j3OesU. On that site, there is an opportunity to connect with the @NextDoor Help Map which connects neighbors in need with people willing to help. Also @mealsri is looking for more volunteers. #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/Sk5qLTI1WC
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
On freelance/gig workers — who have not traditionally been eligible for unemployment payments — receiving the benefits that have been authorized through the $2.2 trillion stimulus:
We’re still waiting on guidance from the federal government and hope to have an update very soon. It will be retroactive and involve a process that is similar to the regular UI application, but folks will be using a different application. #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/yKKJqcYTV9
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
On what you should do about that traditional big Easter family dinner:
Yes. Please don't gather in large groups. I understand how hard this is. I miss seeing my extended family, especially my mom. But this is what we have to do to stay safe. #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/rC6JCtCEAW
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
On what to do about health insurance if you are laid off during the coronavirus pandemic:
.@HealthSourceRI offers a special 60-day enrollment period for anyone who experiences a change like losing a job. Find out more at https://t.co/5JPQLDJBsJ #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/2xvMOyVV5l
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
On worries about "quarantine" violations:
If you are on quarantine, that means you have to stay inside. Please find family or friends who can run errands for you. Going out to a store defeats the purpose. #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/Fo2UEcACyU
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
On the bar/restaurant shutdown through April 13:
My current order keeps restaurants closed for dine in through April 13. We're taking this crisis a day at a time. I don't want anyone to be closed a day longer than necessary. We'll reevaluate the situation in the coming days #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/hQ4qMFBfhm
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
On the difference between "stay-at-home" and "shelter-in-place" orders:
I've issued a Stay at Home order, which means unless you're getting food, medicine, or going to work, you should be at home. #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/fNXIZmjMX8
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
On a way to alleviate cabin fever:
Yes! Going for a drive is a great way to get out of the house. #AskGovRaimondo https://t.co/3v2gPAfEfP
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) April 2, 2020
A full transcript of Gov. Raimondo's Twitter Q&A can be found here.
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