Editor's note: This story appears on our websites as part of a partnership between Beacon Communications and East Bay Newspapers to share coverage of the COVID-19 crisis.
Gov. Gina Raimondo continued her preview of what Phase 2 re-openings will look like in Rhode Island come June 1 with a focus on gyms and fitness centers at her Wednesday afternoon briefing.
And, in response to those becoming restless about the resumption of youth sports, she promised that youth sports will return this summer — although they will likely be different than what participants are accustomed to.
Also, the governor reported that the past 24 hours saw 143 new cases of coronavirus in the Ocean State, and 21 more deaths, bringing the state’s total to 655 fatalities.
Of those deaths, one was in their 50s, one in their 60s, three in their 70s, nine in their 80s, and seven in their 90s. Sixteen of the 21 were residents of long-term care facilities. And all, said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, were precious to their loved ones.
There are currently 218 people hospitalized with 49 in intensive care and 35 on ventilators, numbers that continue to decline and have dropped 40 percent since May 1.
Gyms and fitness centers
Gym and fitness center guidelines were posted to reopeningri.com this morning, she said, and were promptly revised a bit after many owners of those facilities called with feedback.
Highlights of the Phase 2 gym rules, which she said were prepared in consultation with gym owners, include …
Youth sports
A reporter asked the governor to respond to a presentation prepared by the Rumford Little League that presents detailed proposals and research on ways that youth team sports could resume.
She said her administration has been in touch with youth leagues and coaches as it works to prepare guidelines. “We want to enable youth sports,” she said, but are also aware that the Centers for Disease Controls so far recommends against allowing competitive sports.
“I am allowing camps and sports camps,” she said and youth sports will happen this summer, perhaps not with the same rules as before. And remember, she added, this is all temporary.
Indoor dining next
A similar preview will be offered at tomorrow’s meeting on guidelines for reopening dine-in capabilities for restaurants in Phase 2.
And rules for reopening salons and barbershops should be posted on reopeningri.com tonight or early tomorrow — feedback to both is welcome, she said.
Ahead of our neighbors
Rhode Island is “ahead of our neighbors and really everyone in our region” in the pace with which it is reopening businesses, the governor said. “Why? Because I trust you."
She said that the Phase 1 reopening has not produced large crowds and that most people are wearing masks when going into businesses, which is why there has not been a spike in new cases at the two-week mark of Phase 1.
Help for the grieving
Raimondo announced a new resource being offered by the American Red Cross of Rhode Island for people who have lost loved ones The Family Assistance Center is a support hub with information and referrals on topics including coping with grief, virtual memorial services, legal help and more. Visit redcross.org\vfac or call 833-492-0094.
Second wave?
Asked about preparations to protect nursing homes from a second wave of the virus, Raimondo replied, “I don’t necessarily agree with those who say there will be a second wave." She cited Dr. Anthony Fauci who said that another wave may not happen, “if we do everything right.”
“Yes we are planning,” she said, “but I don’t think it is inevitable."
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perky4175
what ever happened to testing ten thousand people a day it seems the state is doing very little testing and if you can open gyms i dont see why kids cant play baseball
Thursday, May 28, 2020 Report this
Justanidiot
kids cant play baseball because they dont put money into reichsfuhrer gigi's coffers. put a tax on little leaguers and she will let them play
Thursday, May 28, 2020 Report this
KimLorene
I see a lot of smaller gyms going out of business because of these restrictions. Gina is ruining our economy. Stop with the stupid restrictions and open businesses back up. Oh, and by the way, an executive order is not a law. She can't force you to do anything.
Thursday, May 28, 2020 Report this
JamesBruder
Anyone see that bonehead Cote last night get thrown out of the budget meeting for calling the mayor a prick. When will that guy learn? No one listens to him when he acts like a clown.
Thursday, May 28, 2020 Report this
ErinBrockovich
He called the mayor a condescending prick . He should never be allowed to speak at a council meeting again.
Thursday, May 28, 2020 Report this