Rhode Island Surpasses 1,000 Coronavirus Deaths

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island marked a somber milestone in the coronavirus pandemic Thursday, surpassing 1,000 deaths.

Gov. Gina Raimondo said she expected to reach the benchmark "in the next day, or two, or three" during a weekly news conference Wednesday, saying she will order flags to be flown at half-staff and that the State House be lit up in red, white and blue to honor the victims until Sunday.

"This pandemic has taken a terrible toll on our state, and my heart breaks for the thousands of Rhode Islanders who have lost someone to this virus," Raimondo said. "We must continue to do everything we can in their memory to protect our neighbors, friends, and family from COVID-19. My thoughts, today and every day, are with the loved ones of those we have lost."

Rhode Island reported four new deaths related to COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the state's cumulative total to 1,001. The Department of Health also announced 76 new cases of the virus.

"Today we mourn 1,001 fellow Rhode Islanders lost to COVID-19," Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said in a statement. "Each victim of this pandemic had a story. Each was a part of our community. As we pass this sad milestone, our hearts are with each family grieving a lost loved one."

As of Thursday, there were 67 people in the hospital in Rhode Island with COVID-19, seven of whom were in intensive care and four who were on a ventilator.

Related: 'In Person, In School, Is The Best Option': RI Tackles Reopening

Although Rhode Island's deaths, new cases numbers and hospitalizations remain low compared to the rest of the country, Raimondo and other top health officials continue to warn residents to avoid complacency and continue to limit social gatherings, wear masks and practice social distancing.

"You look all around the country and see what's happening — it's very, very sad," Raimondo said.