Negative tests in R.I.: 2,818,859 (21,425 reported Friday, 2.0% positive rate)
R.I. COVID-related deaths: 2,502 (6 reported Friday)
Rhode Islanders hospitalized with COVID: 168 (34 in intensive care)
Fully vaccinated in R.I.: 67,669 (168,517 first doses administered)
Cases in Mass.: 575,993
Mass. COVID-related deaths: 15,978
Cases in U.S.: 28,461,935
U.S. COVID-related deaths: 509,734
PROVIDENCE — Having admitted and discharged 516 COVID-19 patients since it opened on Dec. 1, the field hospital that Lifespan operated at the Rhode Island Convention Center closed Wednesday, two days earlier than planned.
But operations have only been suspended, not terminated, two Lifespan leaders said in a virtual interview Friday.
“We basically ceased patient-care operations on Wednesday; however, we're in a 'warm state of readiness,' ready and available to step up again if we're needed,” said Cathy E. Duquette, administrative director of the Lifespan Alternative Hospital, the field facility’s formal name.