Coronavirus Update – Today – March 16, 2020

INTERNATIONAL

Alaska’s Iditarod – race will go on without spectators

10 US service members test positive throughout the world

13,000 confirmed cases in Iran – many more expected

Saudi Arabia – no flights in or out

Spain, France, Italy – all to stay at home; lockdown

Israel closed all restaurants, bars, movie theaters

Singapore – tight monitoring of people, temperature taking, etc. – about 200 positives and #s continue to rise

Ireland shuts down bars and restaurants – 2 days before St. Patrick’s Day

Italy – police say to people they see outside, “What are you doing on the street. Go home.

NATIONAL

NEW! The CDC recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies.

New York City – all restaurants to move to takeout and delivery only – closed to in-restaurant dining

Federal Reserve took emergency action Sunday to slash a short-term rate to nearly zero and ease banking rules to encourage lending

2,000 testing sites coming on line starting today – working to set up parking lot testing sites and federal verification systems

American Airlines – will curtail international service

Nike, Lululemon, Apple closing US stores

New Hampshire & Vermont closed schools

18 states have shut down schools across their states

Mobile drive-through testing units will begin popping up all over US

Frozen 2 is being streamed, free, on Disney Plus

RHODE ISLAND AND VICINITY

Governor’s Daily Press Conference

         Activated Emergency Operation Center

         Next 2 weeks critical

         Screening about 100 a day

         No new positive cases overnight – but that will change

         2300 in self quarantine. 1900 are Cranston West students

         Effective today, all day care centers are to close.

         #1 directive- stay home as much as possible

         Schools K-12 remain closed. Teachers to be available remotely       to plan lessons

         Avoid crowds – you don’t want to be in malls, restaurants, etc –       students should not be out congregating with groups of friends

         State working on meals for seniors & students

         Churches – thanked for closing as much as possible and letting        people know they can stay home

         Grocery – no food shortage – don’t hoard food

         Who should stay home? Seniors over 60 – anyone with underlying health problems

         Question about restaurants, bars, etc. – may have stronger       restrictions in the future

TODAY’s GOVERNOR’S PRESS CONFERENCE AT 10AM

RIDMV Road Tests canceled through 3-20 (and most likely after that)

Boston restaurants and bars first cut capacities to 50%, w/no lines forming outside, and a must-close time of 11pm. Any violations will be immediate closure order for 30 days. restrictions will not apply to delivery, takeout, or drive-through services, Walsh said. All food establishments in the city will be able to offer takeout, even if they do not have a license for it.

Wonderland Entertainment Club & Parkview Bakery have been closed by the city of Providence for violating the 100 person rule

Massachusetts non-essential hospital procedures must be canceled

Boston limits gatherings to 25 people and under – including fitness centers, clubs and theaters

Cranston City Hall – all meetings suspended

Restaurants begin closing: North, Dean, Nolan’s Corner Pub, Big King, Gracie’s, Scialo Brothers, AS220 Food

Newport declares state of emergency – many restaurant opt to close; mansions close; all municipal offices in Middletown close;

Schools to remain closed – “Grab and Go” sites for lunches to be picked up will start on Tuesday