More than 13,000 children submitted questions on pressing matters, including how long they’ll be out of school, whether they’ll be able to go to the prom, and how they can tackle the virus. Andy Moffit, the governor’s husband, asked the questions.

All school buildings in the state have been closed since March 16 as state leaders try to contain the contagious disease, but Raimondo scheduled her daily briefing to respond to questions from students who are participating in a “distance learning” program that will continue until at least the end of April.

PROVIDENCE - From serious inquiries about helping the homeless to lighter ones about the Easter Bunny, Governor Gina Raimondo used her live televised press conference Thursday to answer questions about the coronavirus that were submitted by thousands of students across Rhode Island.


Raimondo had a special message for the kids who are looking forward to their Easter baskets next Sunday.

“I would never quarantine the Easter Bunny,” Raimondo said. “The Easter Bunny is an essential worker and is not quarantined. And also, bunnies can’t get the coronavirus.”

The press conference came on the same day that Rhode Island announced that two more people with the virus had died in the previous 24 hours, bringing the state’s total to 12. There are 657 cases of the disease, and 72 people are currently in the hospital, according to the Department of Health.

Raimondo did not discuss the new cases during Thursday’s telecast, but she urged children to frequently wash their hands for 30 seconds at a time. She encouraged kids to continue playing outside, but said they should not “touch stuff" at the park, and should play with the same family members and friends each day in order to avoid spreading germs to more people.

Responding to thoughtful questions about what happens if people in prison or those who are homeless contract the virus, Raimondo said the state wants to protect everyone. She said the Department of Corrections is working on a plan to offer early release to nonviolent offenders who have fewer than 90 days left in their prison sentence.


For the homeless, she said she’s working “extra hard” to raise money and find places to stay for those who are currently living in shelters or on the streets.

Raimondo also apologized to the high school graduating classes of 2020 for a difficult ending to their senior years. She said she will try to find creative ways to celebrate graduations and proms.

“I’m really sorry. This stinks,” Raimondo said. "This is not the senior year you were supposed to have.”

“ ‘I would never quarantine the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny is an essential worker and is not quarantined. And also, bunnies can’t get the coronavirus.’ R.I. Governor Gina Raimondo

The governor said doesn’t know when it will be safe to return to school or everyday life, but she said she’s hopeful kids will be allowed to play on the beaches this summer. Raimondo has closed beaches and parks for the time being because she said too many people haven’t followed her restrictions requiring gatherings of no more than five people.

Raimondo also announced that the state and Bradley Hospital are expanding a program -- known as Kids’ Link -- that supports the mental health of young people. She urged children to call 855-543-5465 to learn more.

And while Raimondo spent the bulk of the hour-long press conference offering children some advice, at least one student gave her a suggestion:


“Here’s some advice,” Kevin Dickson, a third grader in Warwick, wrote. “Wear workout clothes like my mom does every day at work.”

Dan McGowan can be reached at dan.mcgowan@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @danmcgowan.