PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The number of people in Rhode Island who have died from the coronavirus climbed above 800 on Tuesday, but the number of people hospitalized with the disease continues to decline, state health officials announced.

The state Department of Health reported nine new fatalities for a statewide total of 808.

The agency also reported 55 new positive cases, for a total of nearly 15,700.

The number of people in the hospital with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, dropped to 144, according to the latest data from the state, although the number of people in intensive care rose slightly.

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SPENDING TASK FORCE

The Rhode Island legislature's Emergency Spending Task Force formed in response to the coronavirus pandemic is scheduled to meet Tuesday.

The 12-member committee is scheduled to review several items, including emergency spending on the COVID-19 response and to hear reviews of nursing home COVID-19 support, including personal protective equipment and surge hospital expenses.

Most task force members will be attending in person in the House lounge, but some will attend the meeting remotely.

Representatives of Gov. Gina Raimondo's administration will offer testimony remotely.

The meeting is not open to the public, but will be televised live on Capitol Television.

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FIREWORKS CANCELED

Bryant University and the town of Smithfield have canceled this year’s July 4th holiday fireworks display and concert, the school announced Tuesday.

Restrictions on large gatherings because of the coronavirus pandemic made holding the event, scheduled for July 2, impossible.

“We know that Smithfield residents and members of Bryant’s campus community look forward to the annual fireworks and Navy Band concert, however COVID-19 presents a continuing health threat, and the safety of our community and neighbors is Bryant’s highest priority,” Bryant said in a statement.

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COMIC CON POSTPONED

Rhode Island Comic Com scheduled for November at the Rhode Island Convention Center and Dunkin’ Donuts Center has been postponed because of the pandemic, but organizers say they they will make it up with two events next year.

Altered Reality Entertainment on its website said this year's Comic Con will be combined with Terror Con in June 2021. The regularly scheduled Comic Con will go on as planned in November 2021.