Subscribe!
Your Coronavirus Update – Today, Aug. 20, 2020
Photo: Wuhan, China is back to large get togethers
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Arizona cases have begun to fall.
Colleges across the country are testing contact-tracing apps, hoping that tech-savvy students accustomed to sharing so much of their life online will embrace the digital tool as densely populated campuses try to reopen.
Florida passed 10,000 deaths.
Pope Francis spoke extensively about the coronavirus – see RINewsToday for a follow up story – “How sad it would be if for the COVID-19 vaccine priority is given to the richest.”
Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess, which experienced a major coronavirus outbreak onboard that forced the cruise ship into quarantine in February, will sail in South America and Antarctica in fall 2021
There has been a 100% surge in e-commerce sales in US companies
Half of America’s education workers aren’t teachers, ranging from bus drivers to custodial workers and food service staff, and their jobs are precarious in this era of state budget crises and remote learning. School districts will have to get creative to keep staff employed because bus drivers and maintenance workers can’t work from home like teachers.
Some Democrats in DC are urging leadership to hold a vote on Saturday to extend the unemployment benefits when the chamber reconvenes to vote on funding the U.S. Postal Service
Scientists have estimated that roughly 70% of a given population must be immune to the coronavirus for that population to achieve herd immunity—the point at which the virus would no longer spread because there are not enough vulnerable people left for it to infect. Some researchers think the threshold could be lower, in the 50% range. “I’m quite prepared to believe that there are pockets in New York City and London which have substantial immunity,” said William Hanage, associate professor of epidemiology. Michael Mina, assistant professor of epidemiology, added that vaccinating those most likely to be exposed could be a valuable strategy toward building herd immunity.
Virus cases are rising in Lebanon after the port blast.
Josh Taylor, of the Red Sox, returned to the team after testing positive and quarantining, asymptomatically, in a hotel room for 2 weeks.
The NYC MTA has written to Apple to help train its iPhone users not to take their masks down to use their phones.
MTA use is down 80%
The Cheers bar at Faneuil Hall in Boston will shut its doors, saying it is because the landlord refused to waive rent during the pandemic. Original location of Cheers at Boston Common will stay open.
Alaska and Delaware were added to the list of “hotspot” states
Dog bites to children have increased 300% since the coronavirus – thought to be from more child/dog exposure, and additional household stress and less supervision.
NYC homeless will be moved out of hotels they have been housed in by end of October
Notre Dame University has been struck with an outbreak, and the campus will go to virtual.
Students from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, begin to go home to begin virtual learning for at least 2 weeks. Over 250 students test positive; over 500 quarantined. The school is giving a partial refund – students arrived on campus about 2 weeks ago. The outbreak was attributed to large gatherings and parties on campus.
About 70 percent of MA school systems statewide plan to bring students back to the classroom at least part-time this fall.
Michigan State has asked their students to not come to school – they were to move in soon.
Plasma Technologies LLC has signed a defense contract worth $750,000 to develop scaled-up COVID-19 convalescent plasma technologies, according to an announcement on the Department of Defense website Monday. It’s the latest development in the effort to use a 19th century treatment to help 21st century patients.
Payless Shoes is planning to return, opening 300-400 new stores – with the website now up and running.
Massachusetts’ emergency management agency — usually taking the lead for hurricanes and blizzards — has spent millions during the pandemic to shelter 550-plus people infected with coronavirus in hotels.
Two dozen Maine residents tested positive for the coronavirus after a wedding reception. Eighteen people who attended the Aug. 7 reception and six others who had close contact with attendees subsequently tested positive, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control. Those numbers could rise as test results came back to the state and indicated that a local hospital had already identified 28 coronavirus cases. All told, about 65 people attended the indoor event at the Big Moose Inn.
Dr. Fauci says he does not forsee the US mandating vaccines for coronavirus when it is developed.
There is a shortage of coins across the U.S., yet another odd side effect of the coronavirus pandemic. Quarters, dimes and nickels aren’t circulating as freely as they usually do because many businesses have been closed and consumers aren’t out spending as much.
CVS is partnering with Delta Airlines for speedy testing for employees.
Over 1,000 inmates in US have died from coronavirus.
Although Black people are being infected and hospitalized with Covid-19 at higher rates than white individuals, new research suggests that the mortality rate among hospitalized Black and white patients is comparable. The study, which looked at data from more than 11,200 hospitalized patients in 12 states, suggests access to hospital care may be a major factor in a person’s risk of death.
The New England Journal of Medicine published an article – Reopening Primary Schools during the Pandemic – saying it is irresponsible to NOT send children back to school, in order to keep adult activities open… https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMms2024920
20% of chicken plant workers in Brazil are positive for coronavirus.
Connecticut parents and teachers demonstrated at their State House on Wednesday that it is not safe to go back to school under present conditions.
COVID-19 and associated deaths were more prevalent in Connecticut’s for-profit nursing homes, as well in larger facilities and homes that are part of chains and located in communities with high infection rates,
Doctors know the coronavirus attacks the lining of blood vessels, causing dangerous clots. A new “bubble study”, usually used for stroke, suggests blood may being detoured from clogged vessels to unusually widened ones — and thus flowing through too fast to properly absorb oxygen.
Millions of people forced to work out of the office during the pandemic took on new projects at home and Home Depot’s sales surged an remarkable 25% in the U.S. during the second quarter.
Rates of depression among adults have doubled in the UK since the pandemic started in March.
Flu Shots: the CDC maintains that “September and October are good times to get vaccinated.” “Getting vaccinated in July or August is too early, especially for older people, because of the likelihood of reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season,” they explain. As for yourself, get that flu shot when it’s available.
RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY
The Dunes Club has now closed indefinitely after at least 10 staffers tested positive.
70% of Massachusetts public school districts plan to bring children back to the classroom at least part-time this fall
Beginning on August 15, 2020, Rhode Island is accepting applications for round two of the Restore RI grant program. Completing the Restore RI grant application is a two-step process. https://commerceri.com/about-us/restore-ri/
Modern Diner has reopened in Pawtucket – reservations only, 45 min limit, etc.
The Haunted Tunnel at Slater Park in Pawtucket will not be held this year.
Narragansett has initially upheld 3 people per rental house for student housing.
Judge upholds Block Island ban on outdoor entertainment
Grecian Festival of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, in Pawtucket will be celebrated in a different way this year. Instead of hosting the festival at 97 Walcott St., they will be offering Greek to Go for pickup Aug. 22-23 from noon to 7 p.m. Online ordering is live now at RIGreekToGo.com.
Providence schools: Former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino, Jr. will donate the vacant St. Joseph Hospital in Providence to the city to be used as transitional education space for the District before becoming Providence’s newest Pre-K through Grade 8 school. Mayor Elorza announced further capital improvements to be done to Providence schools, amending the School Capital Plan, building on the City’s historic investments in school infrastructure and commitment to creating innovative and welcoming learning spaces for Providence youth.
The RI DLT announced expanded hours – Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The call center number is (401) 415-6772, and should only be called for claim-specific issues that require DLT intervention. More general questions can be emailed to [email protected]
Gov. Raimondo said Tuesday that school ventilation issues should not impede schools from opening as wearing of masks is the most important.
Gillette Stadium says no fans will be allowed in the stadium through Sept. Should impact at least two games.
RIDOH’s Dr. Scott says approximately 10% of coronavirus deaths are actually from other causes w/coronavirus combined.
Thousands of people attended a pool party at the Wuhan Maya Beach Water Park in China this past weekend. Wuhan, the city where COVID-19 first emerged, underwent a strict 76-day lockdown to contain the virus and has not reported a domestic transfer case since May.
New Compliance Violators in RI: John’s Meat Market, Westerly; China Star III, Newport; Sandy Shore Motel, Westerly; Saver’s Mart, Providence; Mahogany Shoals, Block Island.
RI Data:
Deaths: 3 – (1 in 60s, 1 in 70s, 1 in 80s). New cases: 79 – doing a little bit better, but still losing people every day.
Governor’s Press Conference:
Weekend: Weather wasn’t great, so crowds, beaches, parks had left people. Good compliance. Inspectors went to over 1,000 businesses – found 96% staff & customers wearing masks – highest yet. 96% were complying with capacity restrictions. Bar areas/gatherings still a problem: 15% had congested events; 17% had customers too close to bartenders. Social gathering still at 15.
RI still not off the list in MA – we are barely too high to lift the restrictions. MA is staying firm. We have to do better because it is hurting our local businesses.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Board of Directors approved plans to allow low and moderate-risk sports to play with modifications during the fall season. Those sports, including golf, cross country, field hockey, soccer, gymnastics and volleyball would begin practices starting Sept. 18.
The flu vaccine will be required in Massachusetts by Dec. 31 for anyone older than six months old in child-care centers, pre-school, kindergarten, K-12 schools, and colleges and universities, unless they have a religious or medical exemption, are home-schooled, or are a higher education student living off campus and taking remote-only classes.
Outdoors: We can move more events/activities outdoors to be safer. For next few “months” we want everyone to get outside – Take It Outside Campaign is launching to encourage people to do this. Businesses and cities/towns will come up with creative ideas to move outdoors – close more streets and parking lots to do more dining and shopping outside. Encouraging employers to move meetings outside; fitness classes outdoors. More to say about this next week. Think about what you need from RI to do this.
Testing: RI has done about 440,00 tests; 234,000 individual Rhode Islanders. Below 3% positive rate since we started Phase 3. Testing aggressively – leading in the country.
SOS Strategy: Symptomatic? Feel sick, tested in 24 hours; Feel sick – test within 2 days, results in 2-3 days. Outbreak? At an employer, camp, daycare, etc. – quick testing, contact tracing, isolation, limited outbreaks. Surveillance Testing? Early warning system to test asymptomatic people. July: 45,000 tests in congregate settings – brought down rate of infection in nursing homes. (in May, nursing homes represented 20% of all cases – first 2 weeks of August, now make up less than 5%). Testing high contact & younger folks.
Testing: How? RI has a one page diagram on how to access testing. If you wake up sick, #1 – call your doctor – doctor will schedule test – hopefully that day or within 2 days. No doctor/health insurance/undocumented? – call respiratory clinic or community health clinic. Should stay home until you get results. No symptoms but want to be tested? Go to: Portal.ri.gov – used to be 2 weeks, but system is better now, should be within 2 days and 2-4 days for results.
AccuReference & Dominion Labs have signed contracts for testing with RI: both guarantee results in 48 hours or less. We are doing 2,000 tests a day through this system. Already seeing difference in relieving test turnaround times. Again, must stay home while you wait. Dominion will do 7,000 tests a day with 2 day turnaround.
Rapid Testing still being used – but being deployed strategically – hospitals, outbreaks, schools, nursing homes – 10 rapid machines now deployed. Bought 5 new ones – capacity of 1,000 tests a day – will be devoted to K-12 public schools.
30+ states: If you come home here and have been to the 34 states on the Health Dept. list, you must get tested, or quarantine for 14 days.
Schools: Dr. Fauci – we should all do our best to get our children back to school. We are capable of doing great things when we want to. Supplies: Each district takes the lead on procuring supplies to open schools (cleaning, thermometers, masks, etc.). This week, RI is distributing 3,000 thermometers, 600,000 masks and 10,000 gowns to districts – and that is just this week. Week of Aug. 31st, RI will make decision for how each district will go back. Once we get going, people will test positive – staff, teachers, children. Schools need plans for how to react when that happens. State has 3 scenarios and action steps on the website. We can expect illnesses to happen and we will have a system to react to it.
Mental Health: Everyone is struggling. Thursday, 3pm, Facebook Live Chat about mental health with Governor and 2 experts.
Commissioner Green:
Addresses emails from teachers that want to go back; from parents that want to go back. Multi-lingual learners, differently abled and those distance learning did not work for – let’s think of those as we work to get back to school. It is a choice for some that families must make to not go back to work or, worse, leave the child home, unsupervised. “We hear everyone.” Everyone has choice, choice matters. Also hearing from teachers who want to go back but want to be safe. Important to work with district – decisions are made based on data.
Latino Town Hall with Gov, Commissioner BackToSchoolRI.com
Air quality – there are solutions – we are all working hard. “We’re here to listen. Look for the document that will hopefully be on the website towards end of week at backtoschoolri.com. Governor says if schools need to replace their HVAC systems or adjust them there’s a month to go – get to work, try harder.
Dr. Scott: Sampling of case history: Aug 5-Aug 11. 591 new cases, 40% between 20 and 49; social gathering; 49 cases attended a gathering; overlap between people going to gatherings, bars, and traveling without masks. Bar without mask – also went to party, beach, or recently traveled. Keep detailed records so tracing is easier to do if necessary. Keep circle of people consistent, small and stable.
Day Cares: 730 day care sites open right now. There have been 40 cases – ½ children; ½ staff, coming only from 26 of the child care sites. Chance of secondary spread, etc. very low.
Questions:
Has RIDOH signed off yet on any school?
We are continuing to work on it – none yet – still in process
Unemployment
New $300 a week, etc. – What’s holdup to apply? Some states are already giving out this money. RI has been in touch with federal govt – Gov says “there’s nothing to apply for…we don’t know…we’re all just waiting for Trump administration to put out guidelines…” – could be a $10M a week cost for RI – don’t know if we could use our existing federal money right now. – New application has tripled in length – weekly certification form larger and more detailed – checks have not been deposited. Gov: Trying to protect against fraud. RI has added dozens of temporary new employees – been trained
Arizona – already giving out money. FEMA has 9 others in application. Who is telling us the truth? Gov: we’ve been calling and trying to find out – maybe it will change in the next day or two. Hope they will clarify it. Oklahoma has submitted its grant application. Gov: don’t know what to tell you.
Small Biz application from CommerceRI: businesses struggling with application – it also goes to a company from Minnesota. Why haven’t you told RI that? How much is being paid to them? Gov: Over 1,000 applications; over $1M given out. CommerceRI contracted with a third party to administer – “a way to provide taxpayer accountability” – “we didn’t think we had the staff to do it” – I’ll get back to you. Question: Getting emails and calls from Minnesota.
Unified Travel in New England – what’s prevented New England states from having the same policies? Tri state is aligned – MA wanted to be stricter.
Coventry School District – planning to do distance learning. They say they could put everyone in tents for $160,000. Otherwise, millions to fix HVAC system – fans, etc. “That would be terrific if they had the money”.
Warwick – since Gov. said they threw in the towel, they are now in touch with RIDE and collaborating. They are now trying harder, doing better. Warwick is now saying multi-lingual learners and differently abled will be going back.
Special statewide model for physically challenged children.
Don’t want pre-recorded lessons for the whole day.
Approvals? If a district wants to do things a certain way – who decides – the district, RIDE, RIDOH?
TENTS: Some schools may have classes in tents. How long? Heaters? Safety? Safe from intruders? (we won’t do it if we cannot guarantee safety)
Start date: Middle of September or end of August? When metrics are met.
Standoff with Teachers? Gov. says she does not expect that to happen. There is no such thing as risk free – only safe enough. We want teachers to feel safe.
The state has a new website: https://www.back2schoolri.com/ – for handling all the information on Back to School in RI
RI’s response once schools are open…
