Rhode Island counts 10 total virus deaths, nearly 600 cases

Rhode Island has nearly 600 cases of the coronavirus, up about 80 from Tuesday, state officials said Wednesday. Two more people have also died of COVID-19, raising the state’s count to 10 total deaths from the pandemic. And Gov. Gina Raimondo promised Wednesday that the state will be able to administer 1,000 tests of the virus a day by Thursday.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.

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SMALL BUSINESSES

The state is launching a $2 million, short-term loan program for small businesses.

Companies with 10 or fewer workers will be able to access the loans, which are being funded by the state Commerce Corporation and Bank Newport to help cover immediate expenses.

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FOOD DELIVERY

The state has launched a website, RIdelivers.com, to connect residents with food delivery while staying at home in quarantine or in isolation. Residents can also call 211 to access the services.

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MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Critical medical supplies are on their way for Rhode Island’s frontline pandemic responders.

Raimondo said Wednesday that the state is expecting to get an infusion of roughly 5 million N95 respirators, 3 million surgical masks, and hundreds of thousands of gloves and gowns.

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REOPEN HOSPITAL?

A hospital that closed in 2017 should be reopened to help Rhode Island deal with the coronavirus pandemic, two mayors are telling state officials.

Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien and Central Falls Mayor James Diossa sent a letter to Care New England this week saying Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket could be used as a testing site, respiratory center or isolation center.

Gov. Gina Raimondo has acknowledged the state is looking at 15 to 20 sites, including Memorial Hospital, for virus-related medical response.

Care New England closed Memorial in 2017, citing low patient counts and steep financial losses.

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PRISONER REDUCTION

Officials with the Rhode Island prisons system are agreeing with the state’s public defenders that the inmate population should be reduced during the outbreak. State Department of Corrections Director Patricia Coyne-Fague recognized in court papers Tuesday the challenges of social distancing in a prison setting.

She said any releases should be done so as to protect public safety but stopped short of endorsing calls to release all inmates with 90 days or less remaining on their sentences. No Rhode Island inmates have tested positive for the virus, but one correctional officer has, officials have said.