COVID-19: RI reports 2,352 new infections, 45 deaths since Friday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Another 45 people in Rhode Island have died after contracting COVID-19, according to the R.I. Department of Health.

The state’s reported death toll now stands at 1,670 people.

Data released Monday by the Health Department shows 2,352 new infections were detected over the past three days. In addition to the new infections, the state added 69 newly disclosed cases to prior-day totals over the past two weeks.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined to 429, with 57 patients in intensive care and 36 on ventilators, health officials said.

Additionally, revised data shows Rhode Island had 501 hospitalizations on Tuesday, Dec. 15, which is the highest single-day total and the only time the state’s had more than 500.

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More than 4,800 frontline health care workers in Rhode Island have gotten the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer, according to the data.

On Monday morning, the state’s COVID-19 vaccine subcommittee unanimously approved the use of Moderna’s vaccine on health care workers.

Meanwhile, CVS Health started administering Pfizer’s vaccine to residents and staff at long-term care facilities in a dozen states. The process is expected to begin in Rhode Island next week.

Rhode Island’s pause was lifted on Monday, allowing certain businesses like gyms and movie theaters to reopen. However, some restrictions are still in effect.

Protect Your Household: New guidance starting Dec. 21 (RI.gov) »

The social gathering limit remains at a single household, including for Christmas. Adults who live alone can get together with one other household, as long as the gathering doesn’t exceed five people. A gathering can consist of two households if everyone eats outside, according to state regulations.

Gov. Gina Raimondo’s weekly briefing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday.