According to NBC 10, due to  leaves of absences, daily call-outs, and resignations, Rhode Island hospital was forced to close part of its emergency department Thursday. A Lifespan spokeswoman said the hospital is asking "patients who do not require emergent care contact their primary care physician or seek care at an urgent care facility."

The "C-Pod” has been used for different patient types, including a COVID isolation unit. Last month, the department of health formally announced its directive to require all licensed health care workers to be vaccinated against the Coronavirus by October 1. Rhode Island Hospital is also the only level 1 trauma center in the state.