Subscribe!
Coronavirus Update in RI – Today – March 13, 2020
(Note: please refer to our website for daily Coronavirus updates – each day we ADD TO, we do not REPEAT information already covered)
GOOD NEWS
We may resurface from this with a new vigor to bring back manufacturing and healthcare preparedness, and reduce our dependence on China.
Virtual business models are exploding as we see the virtual, online world that is literally saving our business and university programs ramped up as never before.
Remote working may reach a tipping point – again, through a lively experiment we never wanted to do, but it may prove its worth.
60,000 people diagnosed with coronavirus have recovered
More than 90% of us who get the coronavirus will recover without intensive care
INTERNATIONAL
Tokyo Olympics should be postponed – suggested by Pres. Trump and echoed by others
Ireland has closed its schools.
Israel closes schools, universities
Italy’s death toll has surpassed 1,000
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau‘s wife has tested positive and is in quarantine
Disneyland Paris is closed
Mt. Everest & Nepal spring climbs were canceled
NATIONAL
Beauty retailer Sephora suspends in-store makeup services
Showcase Cinemas will remain open and decrease occupancy by 50% – increase regular sanitizing, etc.
Disneyland will close through end of March
Twitter employees globally they must work from home. This is a change from a suggestion.
Cleveland Clinic has developed – and is doing – their own testing
CBS News New York office has had 3 people test positive – morning news has moved to Washington, DC office
Universal Studios will close for tours
California bans mass gatherings to slow spread of COVID-19
Princess Cruises suspends cruises.
Grand Princess will set sail with the few members who test positive but have no symptoms; they will spend their 14 days quarantine on the water
Viking Cruises suspends cruises.
The Senate will come back into session next week.
The US Supreme Court will close to the public
NBA shut down; 2nd player tests positive from Jazz
MLS (Soccer) is suspended
New York cases have gone to 328
The Boston Marathon will be rescheduled
NHL has paused its season
New York banning events with over 500 in attendance – this includes most theaters on Broadway – Broadway goes dark 5pm tonight (1 usher has tested positive)
New York requiring any group of less than 500 to cut their attendance in ½ – a group of 100 would now have to limit attendance to 50.
Both Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders addressed the nation today.
Bernie Sanders has said that gig workers, subcontractors, self-employed need to be eligible for unemployment to replace lost wages.
Spring Training canceled – opening day could be 2 weeks late
Oregon schools closed
Sephora curtailing makeup applications in store
RI Municipal Court offices are closed – new summonses will be issued
NY Mayor DeBlasio – Declared state of emergency in New York City. No public gathering of 500 or over – could be a number of MONTHS. 5pm tonight Broadway events closed. Under 500 occupancy levels of other events – bars, restaurants, etc., having occupancy levels cut in half.
Archdiocese of New York – all Catholic elementary schools will be closed 3/16-20
PGA cancels The Masters
Sen. Lindsay Graham is self-quarantined
New York – potential case of a student with coronavirus;
New York – 10% of city workers can work from home
Alaska has its first case
RHODE ISLAND & REGION
Numbers: Number of Rhode Island COVID-19 positive (including presumptive positive) cases: 5 – Number of people who had negative test results at RIDOH’s State Health Laboratories: 126 – Number of people for whom tests are pending: 29 – Number of people who are currently instructed to self-quarantine in Rhode Island because they had direct contact with a person with COVID-19: approximately 275
Providence issues Declaration of Emergency – revoking all entertainment licenses for nightclubs, concerts, special events. All bars/restaurants limited to 100 people. City meetings are canceled, and postpone public events for two weeks.
Providence Flea canceled.
Eleanor Slater Hospital – no visitation policy
RI Kids Count annual breakfast canceled
MAE Organization for the Homeless will suspend in-person services
Connecticut schools canceled
Charter Care will follow Lifespan & Care New England in visitor restrictions
Lifespan – laying off 55 people from corporate offices and another 216 will take early retirement
Voting – request your absentee ballot, for any community in RI – due by April 7th, 4pm – Primary is April 28, 2020- https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Content/Pdfs/Calendar/PPP-MailBallot.pdf
Twin River announced they will be postponing all major events through March due to the concern and spread of coronavirus.
Starbucks may go to drive-thru only, or limit seating
RISD will move to remote learning
AS220’s Main Stage and Black Box Theater will close as well as access to programs and faciities – however, restaurant will remain open.
Festival Ballet performances and classes will close, but Up Close on Hope will continue for now
RIDE is asking a school to submit a closure plan by March 19th – 60% of students receive their main meal of the day through the schools. “This situation is unlike any we’ve faced before in our careers,” said Infante-Green
Cranston:
- We are suspending until further notice all activities and programs (including but not limited to Pool, Hi Lo Jack, Chess, Aerobics, Smile Doll as well as Bone Builders, Matter of Balance, and other health related programs).
- We are also suspending until further notice all major events and have cancelled the 90+ Celebration Breakfast.
- The Gift Shop and New Hope Art Gallery will be closed.
- We will still be open as a meal site so we plan on serving our regular continental breakfast and lunch for those seniors who come to the center.
- Adult Day Services will still be operational and provide normal services.
- The Trans Van Program will run normal operations and will still provide special trips to doctor’s offices or hairdressers.
- The Social Services Department will see clients by appointment only.
- Cranston Library events may have changed – check with website
- Make tax payments using online payment system
PREPAREDNESS
More testing capability is needed.
Hospital capacity – beds, respirators, etc. are of most concern
Financial support and assistance seems to be on the radar in Washington – we hope help comes quickly, and sufficiently – including Tulsi Gabbard’s idea of $1,000 for every adult American – some have said that should be extended to 3 months – that would include gig economy workers.
Absentee Ballots – You can request an absentee ballot – do so by the first week of April and assure yourself that your vote will count.
Recovery for mild cases takes about two weeks. More severe cases may take three to six weeks, according to the WHO.