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Coronavirus Update – Today. April 2, 2020
NATIONAL – INTERNATIONAL
Howard Stern Announces SiriusXM Offering Free Access to Streaming Service Through May 15
Vietnam is on lockdown now
Adam Schlesinger, Fountains of Wayne and ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ musician, dies of coronavirus at 52
NYC shut down playgrounds today
Governor of Florida finally issues stay at home order
10 people in New Jersey charged for violating coronavirus order with engagement party
More than 1,400 NYC police officers test positive
Jazz patriarch Ellis Marsalis, 85, dies while fighting coronavirus
Alcohol sales jump 55% from this time last year
Phase IV federal stimulus/aid package under consideration
Cuba is now required to wear masks whenever residents go out in public, subject to fines for non-compliance
Georgia has announced schools closed for rest of the year – online instruction to continue.
Andrew Jack, of Star Wars fame, has died of coronavirus
44 Utah spring breakers down with coronavirus
Los Angeles mayor tells residents to wear face masks
George Washington University converts dorms to housing for healthcare workers
Joe Exotic from Netflix’s ‘Tiger King’ is in coronavirus quarantine
Wimbledon has been canceled and will not be rescheduled for this year
Russian plane with coronavirus medical gear lands in U.S. after Trump-Putin call
Netanyahu tells Israelis to limit Passover celebrations, wear masks in public
President’s Press Conference
Announcement: US Dept. of Defense and other departments began enhanced counter-narcotics operation in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea. With Coast Guard, Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement, etc. Deploying additional ships and enforcements to double capacity of effort. 22 partner nations have joined on to shut down drug trafficking.
2.2 million gowns coming from Cardinal Health
Project AirBridge bringing supplies from all over the world by cargo planes to cities in need.
Tax deductibility of business and entertainment bills being brought back will help businesses, especially restaurants, get back to work.
RHODE ISLAND & REGION
Governor Raimondo is holding a 20-minute Twitter event to take questions TODAY at 9am – go to @GovRaimondo on Twitter – follow #AskGovRaimondo
Governor Raimondo is holding a “press” event at 1pm – she has invited children to tune in.
First RI drive through screenings were held – 88 were expected – 230 showed up
Rochs market will deliver to Rhode Islanders – RIDelivers – expanding delivery services
$100K donated by MetLife to RI Food Bank as part of coronavirus efforts
7 week old Connecticut baby has died from coronavirus
$500K donated by Amgen Foundation to COVID-19 Response Fund
NEIT donating 800 pieces of medical wear to Care New England – 340 surgical and isolation gowns, 300 sets of powder-free surgical gloves and 200 surgical facemasks
The Graduate – formerly the Biltmore – has laid off 121 union workers.
HMSHost (airport businesses) laid off 110 workers
East Providence has two loan programs to help out small businesses – contact their Economic Development Department
Citizens Bank has committed $5 million to help local businesses.
Hotels being used to quarantine and feed homeless and group homes – Warwick‘s Wyndham Hotel is the first and housing 10 people
New Bedford has removed basketball nets from public parks and playgrounds to discourage congregating
WooSox’ Polar Park has suspended construction
Robert Ellis, of Barrington was the pilot of the USNS Comfort coming into NYC Harbor
New Bedford cases increased so new steps targeted senior living, nursing homes, and group homes. Strict rules including staff screening, cleaning, and frequent hand washing.
Massachusetts – DCU Field Hospital in Worcester has been set up – another site being looked at in Boston and elsewhere through work of Army Corps – Med students will assist in staffing
Holyoke Soldiers’ Home – setting up a team – all residents tested – staff being tested – via a Nat’l Guard mobile testing facility – Mark Pearlstein, Esq. will be conducting an independent investigation of the situation.
MA cases rose to 7,738, up from 6,620. The Department of Public Health reported a total of 51,738 people had been tested, up from 46,935.
Governor’s Press Conference
566 total cases – 77new cases – 60 in-hospital – 33 discharged
By tomorrow we can test 1,000 per day
½ million masks procured – millions more coming to RI
Looking at digital tracing
Field hospitals still being looked at – process underway
RI Delivers – 211 for more info – Rochs Grocery store initiative
Small Biz Loans – RI has set up a bridge loan to get you through to the SBA loan which is also towards your federal loan. $2 M fund – small loans – under $10K
521-HELP to apply
Banks: looking for gifts to the state Small biz Loan fund
Visitation for joint custody of children – if you are parenting under family court order, that order must be followed – even during crisis. Parents who must modify communicate with each other, come up with different arrangements – if you can’t work it out, family court is open for emergencies – or call your lawyer or RI Legal Services
77 new cases – children to 90s. 2 more fatalities – one in 50s, one in 70s, both with underlying conditions.
Nursing homes – minimize contact with patients/staff
If your company is pressuring you to work in close quarters, call 521-HELP – it’s not ok, and the state will step in
State is increasing its advertising to promote Census 2020
Only primary care physicians will be able to get you a test appointment – do not show up at a center without appt.
Governor’s conference call was opportunity to share best practices, and concerns and how to fight for our states
Parks & beaches – parking lots closed – if you want to walk on you can do that – maintain your less than 5 friends, though
Press Conferences – even though other states are holding press conferences, Gov. Raimondo will not violate her own orders by doing so.
General Assembly meetings – does not feel there is a way to have the Assembly work right now because we are in crisis mode.
Press Release:
- RI Delivers: Today the state launched RI Delivers, Rhode Island’s connection to help for those living in quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19. This service will ensure that Rhode Islanders in quarantine will have what they need to safely remain home and monitor their symptoms. Connections to groceries, home supplies, restaurants, and mutual aid groups are featured at www.RIDelivers.com. For additional information, residents can call 2-1-1.
- Small Business Loan: The Governor announced that the state launching a short-term bridge loan program for restaurants and small businesses (up to 10 employees). This program was developed in partnership with the Local Initiative Support Corporation and the Rhode Island Hospitality Association. It’s funded by $1M from Commerce’s Small Business Loan Fund and $1M from Bank Newport. To be eligible, the business must have first applied for the federal SBA emergency disaster loan. Businesses can apply starting Friday through the LISC website. You can also call 521-HELP.
- Family Court: The Governor also clarified guidance regarding visitation for parents who have joint custody of their children. In all cases, Family Court order are to be followed. If either parent feels a modification to visitation is warranted, they must discuss the issue and come to a resolution together. If a resolution cannot be reached, Family Court is open to deal with emergencies only. Anyone with questions should contact a family law attorney or RI Legal Services.
Data
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced 77 new cases of COVID-19. Rhode Island now has 566 COVID-19 cases. Two additional COVID-19-associated fatalities were also announced, bringing Rhode Island’s total to 10. One person was a female in her 50s. The other person was a male in his 70s. Both individuals had underlying medical conditions. A full data summary is available online.
Make-a-Mask – the whole world is sewing….
See directions to make yours – without a sewing machine – below…
If you make a mask, send a photo to [email protected] – and we’ll print it and show others…1,2,3, go!