PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island’s governor lashed out at 19- to 24-year-olds Wednesday for irresponsible behavior she said helped push coronavirus infections to their highest single-day levels since last spring.
Gov. Gina Raimondo told a news conference she’s appointing a young adult task force in hopes of persuading college students and others to avoid large social gatherings, wear masks and maintain social distancing.
“You may be young and healthy, but you’re spreading this to those who aren’t young and healthy,” the Democrat said.
COVID-19 clusters have been reported at Providence College and the University of Rhode Island, where students have gathered in groups off-campus.
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TRICK OR TREATING
Raimondo said trick or treating will be allowed this Halloween despite concerns about spreading the virus.
“The show will go on,” the governor said.
Children should go in small groups and only visit people they know, she said, cautioning people to refrain from throwing large parties.
People offering candy from their homes won’t be permitted to open their doors to individual trick-or-treaters, and instead should leave candy out in bags or on trays, Raimondo said.
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LATEST NUMBERS
The Rhode Island Department of Health on Wednesday reported one COVID-19 death and more than 190 new confirmed cases, pushing the state’s death toll to 1,114.
Officials said just over 170 of the latest cases were people who tested positive on Tuesday - the most new cases in a single day since late May. Rhode Island’s caseload now stands at just under 24,750.
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