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Coronavirus Update – Today, April 26, 2020
Photo: Image created for RI – Angel of Hope and Strength, Shepard Fairey
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Amtrak losses are in the $700Millions as ridership is down 95%
Quarantine breakers to be given electronic tracking wristbands in South Korea
Germany has started wide-scale coronavirus antibody testing as the country begins to ease its lockdown.
Miami mayor says the city is not a city built for social distance, so we have to be extra careful given the millions, millions of people that would flock to our beaches.”
Hundreds protest against lockdown at Polish-German border
Savannah, Georgia mayor says it’s ‘absolutely premature’ to reopen despite governor of Georgia’s order
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said his plans to bring sporting events to the state are for TV viewers at home — and at least through May, there will be no fans in attendance.
Texas mayor apologizes after violating stay-at-home order to go to nail salon
India & Pakistan: Retail shops can open with 50% reduction in staff, and requiring appropriate social distancing, wearing of masks and gloves during work. Sale of liquor and other non-essential items will continue to be prohibited; no shops in large marketplaces or malls will be allowed to open for business until May 3.
Michigan begins to revise its tight restrictions (landscapers can open, travel between 2nd homes, some outdoor activities – all with social distancing).
RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY
36% of African American homes in Massachusetts do not have broadband access to Internet. Only one in five African Americans in the US can work from home.
REFOCUS group home network, for those with developmental disabilities – one resident is positive, 3 of 12 group homes with positive members, 3 members and 1 staff member died. Base salary of front-line staff, $13.50 – 25% increase given by home to staff.
Steamship Authority will receive $12Million federal stimulus funds to keep running.
Beacon Communications – publishers of Cranston Herald, Warwick Beacon, etc. have laid off 8 of their 24 staff members.
RI Governor’s Press Conference
Rhode Island Data – 4-25-2020
13 new deaths – 215 total deaths
430 new positive cases – 7,129 total positives
43,762 total negative cases
3,634 total tested, prior day
50,891 total tested
263 in hospital, 77 in ICU, 52 on ventilators, 410 hospital discharges
13 new deaths: 1 in 60s, 1 in 70s, 8 in 80s, 2 in 90s, 1older than 100
10 of the 13 were nursing home residents
We are in a plateau; good news; waiting for day we see a decline. Testament for Rhode Islanders “obeying” the state order.
Governor wants to hear from you if you are having a hard time.
Artists: RI Artists Relief Fund – in last week we raised $15K. Go to artistscommunities.org – search for RI Artists Relief Fund to donate. For out of work artists. Go to RISCA online to apply for funds if you need them.
Announcing art initiative – all Rhode Islanders asked to create family-friendly art – drawings, poem, etc. – take a photo/video and share to #RIArts on social media. You can also mail or email to RISCA. Launching RIArts.org to connect to resources supporting the arts. TY to Infosys.
TY to Shepard Fairey, RISD graduate and creator of famous blue and red Obama poster. This image called Angel of Hope and Strength has been customized with an emblem unique to Rhode Island . Go to RIArts.org for free download. It will be projected on 2 downtown buildings – RISD Auditorium & the back of 20 Washington Place – for the next week.
We thought the art looked a little familiar, and the project is part of Shepard Fairey’s art project creating similar posters, and building projections around the world. NBC10 says the image was “customized” with the RI emblem taking the place of the globe image.
The artist has had his work projected in England, and New York, and will be looking for other international locations. The projects are ideally located near or on hospital buildings, where nurses and medical workers can be sure to see them.
Latino community – 45% of cases are in this community. Calling Spanish media and radio, social media in language – translated press briefings – etc. to reach the community. Tuesday 7pm – holding a Facebook town hall with Education commissioner Infante-Green – for any question you have. TY to Latino leaders for advising Governor.
At Monday’s press conference will talk about data we need to open up RI economy.
Wyatt says they have 8 positive cases and 10 staff members positive
Demonstration at RI State House – Governor was upset that they may not be adhering to proper social distancing – several hundred demonstrators – some nurses facing them to protest the protest.
Do you think we might forget how?
