RI's Weekly Coronavirus Case Numbers Reach Record Lows

PROVIDENCE, RI — Things are looking up in Rhode Island. The last week continued the state's now month-long decline in coronavirus cases, new hospitalizations and percent positivity rate.

For the first time in recent memory, the state is within spitting distance of having all three of those key indicators within safe thresholds — though spitting still isn't considered a safe activity. Over the last week, Rhode Island reported just 117 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people, just 17 cases higher than the safe threshold of 100 or fewer.

That's a big step forward for the state, since case numbers have been an area of concern for pretty much the entire pandemic in Rhode Island. Because the state has consistently had high testing numbers, cases numbers have remained high, as well, even as the percent positivity rate fell during last summer's reprieve.

The latest date from the Rhode Island Department of Health showed improvement across the board. Along with the decreased case numbers, the percent positivity rate was 1.5 percent, while just 81 new hospitalizations were reported. Each of these indicators are well below their safe thresholds of 5 percent and 210 new hospitalizations, respectively.

The promising data comes the same day that Rhode Island's new mask-wearing guidance took effect, aligning the state with the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention. Under the new guidance, fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks indoors or outdoors, or practice social distancing, except for in certain situations.

Despite the large gains the state has made, state health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, particularly those who have not yet gotten vaccinated. As reopening efforts continue and more dangerous COVID-19 variants spread in the state, the state's top doctor said it's more important than ever to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

"For anyone who is eligible but has not been vaccinated yet, this is one more reason to get your shot," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health "People who are not vaccinated are more vulnerable than ever to COVID-19. Protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated. Now is the time."

Vaccines are plentiful and accessible in Rhode Island. Three of the state's mass vaccination sites — Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston, the former Benny's store in Middletown and the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence — are offering vaccine doses with no appointment necessary. Several pharmacy partners, including CVS and Stop & Shop, are doing so as well. Learn more about where to get vaccinated or schedule an appointment on the state's vaccine portal.

Read more: Rhode Island's Mask Mandate Ends: What To Know