Rhode Island Sends Alert Announcing Hospitals At Full COVID-19 Capacity

Rhode Island hospitals are reportedly at full capacity amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The state sent out an alert Monday (November 30), announcing the news as the state's two-week pause aiming to control the spike in coronavirus cases took effect, the Boston Globe reports.

“Hospitals at capacity due to COVID," the state said in a statewide emergency alert via the Globe. “Help the frontline by staying home as much as possible for the next two weeks."

Some businesses will be required to shut down, while others will operate under new restrictions, in accordance with Governor Gina Raimondo's mandate announced earlier this month. Recreational businesses, including bars, gyms, indoor sporting facilities, bowling alleys, theaters and casinos will all be forced to close, while restaurants will be limited to 33% indoor capacity and patrons must all be from the same household.

Rhode Island residents are also asked to limit social gatherings to members of their household during the new restrictions.

“This will not be easy, but I am pleading with you to take it seriously," Raimondo said in a statement obtained by the Globe. “Choosing to gather with those outside your household will have ripple effects that will increase the strain on our hospitals and put lives at risk."

Gov. Raimondo also said another economic shutdown is possible if the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase.

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