Gig Worker Unemployment Now Available
![[CREDIT: RI.gov] The RI Department of Labor and Training is now accepting gig worker unemployment claims, as well as for freelance, and the self employed due to disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.](https://4c04wc5wq0w3uloelhe44ddb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/RI-DLT-140x140.jpg)
Beginning at 8 a.m. today, freelance, gig, and contractor workers and the self-employed are eligible for unemployment insurance, part of the $2 trillion stimulus passed by Congress in March.
COVID-19
![[CREDIT: Gov. Raimondo's office] CVS Minute Clinic will set up rapid COVID-19 testing at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI.](https://4c04wc5wq0w3uloelhe44ddb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CVS-COVID-19-test-140x140.jpg)
CVS Offers 30-Minute COVID-19 Test Results
CVS Health and Rhode Island have partnered to double state COVID-19 test capacity with on-the-spot results possible within 30 minutes.
RI COVID-19: Cases, Deaths Will Worsen Without Distance
Gov. Gina M. Raimondo reported eight RI COVID-19 deaths Sunday, totaling 25, a number expected to climb, but likely to climb faster if Rhode Islanders don’t stay home and social distance.
![[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The Pawtuxet Rangers at the 2017 Gaspee Days Parade.](https://4c04wc5wq0w3uloelhe44ddb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GaspeeParade_17_8-140x140.jpg)
All Gaspee Days Events Canceled Due to COVID-19
The 55th Gaspee Days celebration has been canceled, including all its annual events due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Gaspee Days Committee announced Sunday.
RI COVID-19 Spread Rapid: Use Masks, Stay Inside
Gov. Gina M. Raimondo reported two new COVID-19 deaths Friday afternoon, advised general public use of face masks to prevent spread of the coronavirus causing the illness and stressed the life-and-death urgency of social distancing.
Warwick Buildings Remaining Closed Indefinitely
Mayor Joseph J. Solomon is keeping all city buildings closed to the public until further notice to limit spread of the the coronavirus causing COVID-19.
RI Protects Homeless During COVID-19 Outbreak
Many Rhode Islanders can’t stay home during the COVID-19 outbreak, because they don’t have homes, a plight the health department and non-profits are easing as the crisis highlights their need for shelter.
![[CREDIT: NIAID RML] This electron microscope image of the virus that causes COVID-19— Expanded COVID-19 testing for all symptomatic Rhode Islanders is now available.](https://4c04wc5wq0w3uloelhe44ddb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-140x140.jpg)
RI COVID-19 Testing: All Symptomatic Rhode Islanders
The RI Department of Health (RIDOH) has announced that RI COVID-19 testing capacity now allows all symptomatic Rhode Islanders to be tested for the coronavirus causing the disease.
![[CREDIT: Heidi Thompson] Goddard State Park was closed along with all state parks April 1, 2020 to limit crowds that spread COVID-19. Warwick Mayor Joseph Solomon also closed all Warwick parks, beaches and recreation sites that day.](https://4c04wc5wq0w3uloelhe44ddb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Goddard-Park-Closed-COVID-19-140x140.jpg)
Warwick Parks, Beaches Closed in COVID-19 Crisis
Mayor Joseph J. Solomon has ordered all Warwick parks and beaches closed, including Rocky Point State Park, and recreational facilities, until further notice to limit spread of COVID-19.
![[CREDIT: URI] URI hand sanitizer, packaged as Rhody Blue and Rhody Clear hand sanitizer, with 75 percent isopropyl alcohol. is being donated to RI Corrections and first responders.](https://4c04wc5wq0w3uloelhe44ddb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/URI-hand-sanitizer-COVID-19-1-140x140.jpg)
URI Hand Sanitizer Bottled for Corrections, Responders
The URI College of Pharmacy has the technology, expertise, and knowledge of the pressing need for hand sanitizer to slow spread of COVID-19, so they’re making their own.
RI Starts 1,000 Daily COVID-19 Tests Thursday
Gov. Gina M. Raimondo announced two new COVID-19 deaths Tuesday, 77 new confirmed cases totaling 566, and the ability to begin 1,000 daily COVID-19 tests on Wednesday.
Boys & Girls Clubs Ask Donors to Aid Child Care Mission
WARWICK, RI — While Gov. Gina Raimondo has suspended child care operators’ licenses, freezing Boys & Girls Clubs ( BGCW) plans to watch Lifespan hospital workers’ kids during the COVID-19 […]
