March 23, 2020, 7:56 PM
2 min read
PROVIDENCE, R.I. —
Rhode Island is the latest state to move its presidential primary in response to the new coronavirus.
Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Monday that the state will move its April 28 election to June 2.
Rhode Island joins Connecticut, Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana and Ohio in postponing their April 28 primary — dubbed the “Acela Primary” or “I-95 Primary.”
Raimondo had been initially resistant to the idea of pushing back the primary but said she was “open to the idea” after the state Board of Elections recently called on her to order the delay.
The elections board has said postponing the primary would give officials more time to prepare for a mail ballot-focused election.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.