The state sent a Public Safety Alert to residents who own a smartphone Monday, informing them the state’s hospitals are “at capacity due to COVID” and urged people to work from home and stay home whenever possible, according to a copy of the mobile alert provided by the governor's office.
The other field hospital is also ready to accept patients and “may do so as soon as this week,” Lucas said.
The alert came in as the state commenced its two-week pause period, which will last through December 13, according to the state’s official reopening website.
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo mentioned last Wednesday the possibility of hospitals reaching capacity by the end of the year, which she said would lead to patients being turned away for otherwise essential services.