3 R.I. counties at high risk for COVID-19

PROVIDENCE – A majority of Rhode Island counties are now at high risk for COVID-19, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC added Newport County to the high-risk areas in the state on Jan. 6, joining Providence County and Kent County. The latter two areas were deemed high risk on Dec. 30. 

Threat levels are determined in part by case rates and hospital admissions per 100,000 people.  

Rhode Island’s two other counties, Bristol County and Washington County, remain at medium threat level. 

The CDC recommends that those in high-risk counties get tested and wear masks while in crowded, indoor public settings. The agency recommends those in medium-risk counties consider self-testing and wearing a mask when around those who are at high risk for getting sick. 

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rhode Island increased by 2,152 from Dec. 25-31, with seven new deaths, the R.I. Department of Health said Jan. 6. 

There were 203 new cases per 100,000 persons reported in Rhode Island from Dec. 25-31.