[Summit] Friday messages from Gov. Raimondo (criteria to enter Phase 2) and Mayor Elorza (a million meals served) [Covid News no. 277]

Sat May 30 01:42:37 UTC 2020

   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Gina Raimondo <communications at governor.ri.gov>To: Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020, 08:16:12 PM EDTSubject: How do we know it's safe to move into Phase Two? These four stats.

| Your RI COVID-19 News Update |
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| Hi David,
A few weeks ago, I outlined the four data points we’re watching closely as we track the trends of this virus. These are the metrics that, taken together, tell us whether the virus is continuing on its downward trajectory and it’s safe to lift more restrictions, or whether we’re seeing a resurgence and we need to pump the brakes.
Three weeks ago, we lifted the stay-at-home order. We know it takes about two weeks to see the impact of any policy changes we make. That means that, if our behavior during the first week of Phase 1 caused an increase in the spread of the virus, we would see that reflected in the data by now. Fortunately, that’s not what we’re seeing. Today, I’m excited to announce that all four of these metrics are where we want them to be. Because of that, we can officially move into Phase 2 on Monday.  |

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| First, we said we needed to see less than 70% of hospital beds filled with COVID patients. We have less than half of that – we’re below 30% -- and in fact our hospitalizations have been on a steady decline for more than a month.
Second, we needed to see consistently 30 or fewer new hospitalizations each day. We are seeing well below 30. Most days we see new hospitalizations in the high teens or low 20s.
Third, we said we needed to see our rate of spread – known as the “R-value” – at 1.1 or lower. I’m particularly pleased with where this metric is today. A couple months ago, our R-value was as high as 4, meaning four people were being infected by each person who had the virus. Today, our R-value is around 0.7. In other words, only 7 people are infected by every 10 people who have the virus. We’ve seen that number on a continuous decline, and that’s great news.
Fourth, we said we wanted to see hospitalizations doubling at a rate of every month or more. Fortunately, hospitalizations are continuing to decline, meaning we’re not seeing any doubling at all.
As we enter Phase 2, we’re going to continue keeping a close eye on these four metrics, and if we continue on the path we’re on, then I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to enter into Phase 3 in July. But if we start getting lax about the public safety precautions, then we may need to take a step back. |

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| I’m excited about what’s ahead in Phase 2. Nearly every sector of our economy will see some form of reopening – from hairdressers and barbers to nail salons, indoor dining at restaurants, malls, gyms and outdoor recreation. We’re able to do this because we’ve worked collaboratively with the industries and health professionals to come up with a set of guidelines to help you open responsibly and keep employees and customers safe.
If you own a business and are getting ready to reopen on Monday, here are some steps you should take:

   - Visit ReopeningRI.com and review both the Phase 2 general business guidelines and the guidance documents specific to your individual sector (restaurants, retail, hair and personal services, gyms, etc). 
   - Please make sure that you’ve completed your COVID-19 control plan. There’s a template for that plan on the ReopeningRI.com website – please complete the plan before you reopen.   

   - If you missed Commerce’s Facebook Live Town Hall or want a refresher, you can watch them on the Rhode Island Commerce Facebook page.    

   - If you’re a small business who is looking for masks and cleaning solutions , Commerce is making these available through industry associations and local chambers of commerce. Visit www.commerceri.com for information and locations on how you can pick that up.
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| To stay up to date with Rhode Island's latest COVID-19 statistics, please check the Department of Health's new data dashboard for all the information you need about the spread of coronavirus in Rhode Island.
RI Department of Health COVID-19 Respon...

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| This next step of our reopening is only possible because of your hard work. By following our public health guidance, we've been able to slow the spread of COVID-19. I am incredibly proud of Rhode Islanders, but we're not out of the woods. As we reopen, we will need to be more cautious than ever. We all have an obligation to our friends, families, and neighbors to play it safe and follow the new guidance. If we do, we'll continue to reopen our economy and get back towards normal.
We're all in this together.
-Gina RaimondoGovernor
P.S.: Information is our greatest weapon in the fight against COVID-19, If you or someone you know wants to sign up to receive these emails, you can use this link. |

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|  Governor's Office | 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903  |
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May 29, 2020
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| Haga clic aquí para español |

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Dear neighbor –

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to ensure all residents have access to healthy and nutritious food. Access to fresh fruits, vegetables and healthy foods is important to maintaining a healthy immune system and body.

Together with our generous partners, the City has distributed over one million meals to our community as part of our response to COVID-19 with the help of our Healthy Communities Office, our Providence Public School District, our Parks Department, our Recreation Department and partners!
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As a reminder, free grab & go breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are available to all Providence youth at schools and recreation centers throughout the City. Youth and families will be able to pick-up meals for multiple days at each grab & go meal location.

Meals will be available for pickup at Providence Public School sites on Tuesdays and Fridays 11:00AM-2:00PM at 14 Providence Public School locations. Meals can also be picked up at Recreation Centers on Tuesdays and Fridays 4:00PM-6:00PM. Parents or guardians can pick up meals for their children and are asked to bring the child’s name, school name, and student identification number. Providence youth 18 and under can pick-up meals at all locations no ID required.

Please keep in mind that each box of food will weigh approximately 8 pounds, so we ask that you plan accordingly when picking up your family’s food.

For a full list of City and external resources, including how to secure food if you are an older adult and for food donation opportunities for residents and businesses, you can always visit our website, call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visit www.PVD311.com or download the PVD311 mobile app on your smart phone for 24/7 access.

Residents can register to receive CodeRED emergency notifications by phone, email, text, and/or mobile alerts for the latest updates from the City. The Rhode Island Department of Health's COVID-19 Assistance Line can be reached by dialing 401-222-8022 Monday through Friday during regular business hours should residents have additional questions. 

Sincerely,

Jorge O. Elorza 
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