Everything You Need to Know About the Coronavirus in Rhode Island

Editor’s note: This story will be updated daily.

Here’s what you need to know about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Rhode Island today, April 3:

• Rhode Island has 711 cumulative cases, from children up to their nineties
• Fourteen people have died from the coronavirus, ranging in age from their thirties to their nineties
• Seventy-two people are currently hospitalized, and patients represent a spectrum of ages
  
• Governor Gina Raimondo issued a stay-at-home order until April 13, which means Rhode Islanders can only leave home for essential tasks including work, food shopping and pharmacy pickups. Raimondo says residents can still go for walks or to the park, so long as they practice safe social distancing
• Drive-through testing sites have been set up at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and CCRI’s Warwick campus; in order to get tested, you need an appointment through your primary care doctor, an urgent care center or the Department of Health. “Expect lines,” Governor Gina Raimondo said on March 31, noting a backlog of people who need to be tested.
• As of April 3, state parks and state beaches are closed; campground openings have been postponed until at least May 1
• All gatherings are restricted to no more than five people
• All travelers to Rhode Island must self-quarantine for fourteen days; they’re instructed to stop at four checkpoints at Rhode Island’s border and provide an address where they will be quarantined
• School buildings are closed through the end of April. All public K through twelve students in Rhode Island will participate in distance learning.
• Licenses for child care facilities have been revoked through the end of April.
  
• Dine-in service at restaurants, bars and coffee shops is suspended until April 13; takeout and delivery options are still available and restaurants may now serve to-go wine and beer (click here for a list of our favorites)
• Nail and hair salons, barbershops, entertainment venues and non-essential retail shops are ordered closed until April 13

COVID-19 rendering, via Getty.

Coronavirus fast facts:

• To prevent infection, wash your hands for twenty seconds with soap and warm water
• Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath
• If you think you have the coronavirus, call your health care provider first; if you don’t have one, contact a nearby urgent care. A physician can make you an appointment at one of the drive-through testing sites at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and CCRI’s Warwick campus
• Call 401-222-8022 with general questions about the coronavirus or visit the Rhode Island Department of Health website for the latest information
• Call Rhode Island’s BH Link at 401-414-5465 if you need mental health help or are struggling with substance abuse
  

Stories to get you through social distancing:

• Try These Social Distancing Date Night Ideas
• Rhode Island Restaurants, Bakeries and Breweries Offering Curbside Pickup for Takeout and Delivery
• Indoor Activities to Keep the Kiddos Busy During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• Read RI Poet Laureate Tina Cane’s Inspiring New Poem, “Shelter in Place”
• Can You Sew? Make Face Masks for Local Hospitals with Sew Hope SNE
• How to Support Local Bookstores During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• 25 Movies Filmed in Rhode Island You Must Watch During COVID-19
• Try These Virtual Workout Classes at Home
• 5 Rhode Island Hikes Off the Beaten Path
• Rhode Island Schools and Restaurants Offering Free Lunches for Students