Your Coronavirus Update – Tues, Nov. 17, 2020

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

Moderna became the 2nd company to announce a vaccine is in phase 3 development and has asked for emergency authorization. 20 million doses are expected for use in December, if all goes well. Moderna is based in Cambridge, MA.

Lonza Biologics in Portsmouth, NH has ramped up its production of the vaccine in anticipation of final approval for worldwide distribution. 70 dedicated employees are in place, with a plan to scale to 100 employees.

Vaccinations could begin in December, with prioritized groups, doing about 20-30 million – and following with an equal amount each month after.

ActivMed research clinic in Portsmouth said Monday they have 200 volunteers of the 1,500 it would like to enroll as part of a Phase 3 clinical trial of the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with Oxford University.

Trump administration has announced a relationship with CVS and Walgreens to deliver the vaccine to seniors in nursing homes as early as December.

Vaccine distributions may roll out like this, as suggested by the National Association of Medicine – Phase 1: High Risk – healthcare workers, 1st responders, those with underlying medical conditions, seniors in congregate settings. Phase 2 – food supply, teachers, over 65m critical care workers. Phase 3 – most young adults and children. Phase 4 – everyone else (expected in 2nd quarter of 2021).

Dolly Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University, involved in the Moderna development.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown shut down bars, restaurants and other businesses and limited gatherings today.

The World Health Organization has recorded 65 cases of the coronavirus among staff based at its headquarters.

Casinos nationwide had regained 81% of their business, but that is expected to be impacted by this new phase of virus.

Vermont continues a strong effort to get hold of the spread of the virus, and will start testing K-12 teachers and staff this week as a strategy.

The Governor in North Dakota reversed his position of not issuing a mask mandate, and issued one, saying ‘the time is now’ – the mandate comes with a $1,000 fine.

FedEx and UPS are hiring a combined 170,000 workers – DHL is adding 2,300 – Amazon and Walmart have hired several hundred thousands since March.

Kohl’s and Target have doubled parking spaces for customers taking advantage of curbside pickup

Travelers from Massachusetts will no longer be exempted from Maine’s COVID-19 rules, requiring a 14-day quarantine or a negative coronavirus test taken within 72-hours after arrival.

Eating in a bubble? Restaurant tents or “bubbles” may not be an ideal solution. Dr. Baruch Fertel of the center for emergency medicine at the Cleveland Clinic says that although tents and bubbles provide extra space to allow for physical distancing, “in terms of ventilation and airflow, eating in these outdoors structures is similar to eating indoors. “You should use the same rules for dining inside apply to dining in outdoor bubbles. If you are eating with people you do not live with, inside or outside, your risk of spreading the virus is higher. Carry-out and delivery are the lowest-risk options for eating restaurant food. Eating indoors represents the highest risk.

California Governor Newsome has apologized for attending a large dinner party. Meanwhile, shuttering gyms, indoor dining and churches.

Philadelphia mayor Mayor Jim Kenney closed indoor restaurant dining, gyms, and museums, required office employees to work remotely and banned indoor gatherings through Jan. 1.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s 30-day stay-at-home advisory took effect early today, with the mayor asking residents only to leave their homes for work, school or essential outings for medical care or the grocery store. The city also limited gatherings to 10 people.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration ordered high schools and colleges to stop in-person learning. The governor also closed restaurants to indoor dining, halted organized sports and restricted indoor and outdoor gatherings.

Pfizer will be shipping its vaccine in containers packed with dry ice that can last for two weeks or so if the dry ice is replenished.

Sweden has reduced gathering limit from 300 to 8. Their advice: “Don’t go to dinner; don’t go to the gym; cancel.”

Rep. Don Young of Alaska, the oldest sitting member of Congress, at 87, is recovering from COVID-19, saying he’s been shot, and had many other things happen to him in his long life, but nothing as bad as the virus.

General visitation at all Massachusetts Department of Correction facilities will be temporarily suspended as the DOC undergoes a second round of universal COVID-19 testing for inmates.The department’s 16 facilities went into a two-week period of modified operations starting Saturday, which will also give the DOC time to provide universal testing for staff.

Washington state has banned all social gatherings unless you quarantine for 14 days and have a negative test (this is seen to be unenforceble).

CT Gov. Lamont is in quarantine after a staff member tested positive.

Two members of the House in MA tested positive.

Denmark has had 9 days of protests over a new law that would define groups of people who must be vaccinated. Those who refuse can be detained and forcibly vaccinated.

Navajo Nation to reinstate reservation lockdown for three weeks amid coronavirus surge

Connecticut is reinstituting visitation restrictions in hospitals.

Mask mandates are now in 35 states.

Catholic protesters held scattered demonstrations around France on Sunday to demand that authorities relax virus lockdown measures to allow religious services

In Cohasset, MA, 40 young people held a party, one attendee tested positive – those who attended were told to quarantine.

WCVB-Ch. 5 in Boston reports: “Despite painstaking efforts to keep election sites across the country safe, some poll workers who came in contact with voters on Election Day have tested positive for the coronavirus”.

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim tests positive for coronavirus

British PM Boris Johnson is quarantining – having been exposed to at least 2 people who were positive.

Cornell is urging students to stay on campus and not travel home – for those who must, exit testing is being provided.

Univ. of Arizona is offering testing but also training students in how to do more – how to create a safe bubble when they go home.

Oklahoma is shipping test kits to all colleges.

Biden team transition team is meeting with Pfizer in preparation for what their delivery/distribution system needs are.

Michigan has announced more restrictions as virus surges. No indoor dining at bars, restaurants, virtual learning, etc.

Westport, MA has closed all town buildings.

Multiple members of the Kelly Clarkson show have tested positive – they are being retested

COSTCO now requires all customers, employees to wear a mask – if medical conditions prohibit mask wearing, they must wear a face shield.

VOX says 40% of us will attend Thanksgiving with more than 10 people.

Florida added 10,000 new cases over the weekend

The pandemic has put more than vaccine development on super-drive. Retail patterns and office work patterns have changed dramatically, nearly overnight, and show no signs of returning.

“Boston coronavirus numbers continue to rise with workplaces, gatherings and carpools adding cases,”

More Colleges Plan to Hunker Down After Thanksgiving and go virtual

Mexico City will close all restaurants and bars for 2 weeks

Marriott Copley terminates half its staff, adding to the thousands of hotel workers unemployed around Boston

COVID-19 hospitalizations double at Baystate Health in western MA in past week

“Gov. Charlie Baker skipped an emergency meeting with governors from the Northeast this weekend as states clamp down in an effort to get a lid on the uncontrolled spread of the coronavirus

Washington State Governor shutting down restaurants, churches, grocery stores, etc.

El Paso, Texas is using prisoners to move bodies and paying them $2 an hour.

The annual Massachusetts Beanpot hockey tournament will not be played in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic

A third MA House lawmaker in as many days has tested positive for COVID-19 and three more legislative employees contracted the virus, including two who were at the State House last week.

ZOOM is lifting 40 minute limit for ZOOM calls on Thanksgiving.

Over 1 million US children have now had COVID-19

Expedia is predicting tourism will “roar back” by summer, in light of all the new vaccine development.

RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY

Testing: anyone in RI can now sign up on the portal – no need to call your doctor first – extended hours at the Wickford Train Station

Central Falls limits bars and restaurants to take out only.

Barrington school officials plan to focus on quarantining classrooms or clusters rather than closing down entire schools.

RIDE will hold a virtual meeting tonight at 5:30pm

At least a half-dozen people have tested positive for the virus in the last two weeks or so at WJAR studios. The union has been encouraging management to “fog”, or disinfect, the studios – this waw finally done on Saturday.

The Providence Art Club has closed for the time being due to precautions with coronavirus..

Eleanor Slater Hospital – 12 staff members and 6 patients test positive. Testing of patients twice a week if they are in a unit where there has been a COVID case (staff or patient); surveillance testing of all staff at least once a week and twice during this outbreak if they are in buildings with COVID cases are in place.

Orlo Ave. School placed on distance learning due to Covid

No March Madness will be hosted in Providence this year

Two teacher unions called for a holiday pause in schools/teaching

Bristol County, MA has rolled back to Phase 1.

Hendricken High School switches to virtual.

Only doctor on Block Island tests positive for coronavirus and health center has closed for 2 days to clean – NP has stepped in to see patients.

Fall River restauranteurs can access 30 free heaters being provided by the government.

Emerald Square Mall has gone into receivership, looking for buyer

RI Superior Court has moved most proceedings and activities online.

RI Municipal Court has been closed for hearing, but in-person payments are open – check w/them for hours.

Brown University has complied with other Ivy League schools and canceled winter sports, including hockey and basketball.

Lt. Gov. McKee’s Weekly Small Business Virtual Town Hall Today w/ RI Society of CPAs, Electeds, & Business Owners – Facebook Live (watch, listen, & comment in real time) https://www.facebook.com/LGDanMcKee/ [facebook.com]

Ocean State Job Lot hiring 50 full-time and part-time warehouse associates at North Kingstown Distribution Center

Powerful Tools for Caregivers – the Department of Health and the Rhode Island Parent Information Network are starting a series of new, free virtual workshops to support Rhode Islanders who serve as caregivers for older adults and people with chronic conditions. These workshops, called Powerful Tools for Caregivers, feature six weeks of group sessions aimed at giving caretakers the tools they need to succeed in these challenging times in areas like stress management and communication. These courses are offered through weekly 90-minute virtual sessions and will help caretakers and their loved ones thrive during this difficult time. These free workshops are starting throughout the next week on November 17, November 21, November 24, and November 25. If you or someone you know is serving as a caregiver for an older adult and person with chronic conditions, encourage them to learn more or sign up by calling the Community Health Network at 401-432-7217 or visiting www.ripin.org/chn.

New companies in COVID-19 violation:

A&D Fitness	1145 Atwood Ave., Johnston	Immediate Compliance Order	11/12/2020
Riccotti’s Subs	250 Cowesett Ave., West Warwick	Notice of Compliance with CO Compliance Order	11/13/2020 11/9/2020
Broad Street Liquors	1032 Broad St., Providence	Compliance Order	11/9/2020
Woonsocket Motor Inn	333 Clinton St., Woonsocket	Compliance Order	11/9/2020

RI Data:

Today’s Data – Nov. 16, 2020
Deaths: 5 (16 since Friday)
Tests: 6,195
Positives: 481 (over past 3 days: 2,394 total)
Percent positive: 7.8% – this is tentative
Hospitalized: 256
In ICU: 21 (of the 256)
On ventilators: 12 (of 21)

Governor’s address: Wed. at 1pm