Coronavirus Update Today, March 2, 2020

Rhode Island

UPDATE: 9:30am: RINewsToday participated in a conference call update with the RI Dept. of Health, Director Scott. While some details were provided, no new information other than what has already been reported was learned. Stay tuned as we have sent along follow-up questions regarding RI’s senior population.

Imagine the surprise in hearing the news, first, on a national Sunday morning television show – that one person has tested positive in RI. A man in his 40s who had been on a European trip, including Italy, is hospitalized at an unidentified hospital, with coronavirus, and is in the process of being confirmed by the CDC. Later we learned that he was a teacher and soccer coach at St. Ray’s Academy in Pawtucket. Approximately 40 people he had come in contact with are at home in self-quarantine. The teacher had not gone back to school after returning from his trip. St. Ray’s announced Sunday that they will close for 2 days:  “Although not directed by [federal or state health officials], out of an abundance of caution, the SRA Administration has decided that all students, faculty and staff will have Virtual Days at home on Monday and Tuesday (March 2 and 3) while ongoing campus sanitation continues.” the notification says. “All after-school activities and practices (including sports) are also cancelled. Classes will resume on campus as usual on Wednesday, March 4.” There are also statements on Facebook that his wife is also a teacher in the East Providence school system and some information was being sent to parents Sunday night.

UPDATE, 6am: St. Ray’s will close for the whole week.

UPDATE, 8:30am: All schools in East Providence have been sanitized over the weekend – no reason to believe anyone with coronavirus entered the schools – schools are open this week.

A second presumptive positive case, a female teen, is at home with mild symptoms. A third possible case is a staff member in her 30s, from Achievement First Academy. Both were on the same trip to Italy organized by Saint Ray’s. AF Academy and St. Rays will be closed for two days and students will work remotely if possible.

RISD has cut short an academic program to Italy; students have returned and been placed in single occupancy hotel rooms for 14 days – this report is from Bill Bartholomew, of the Bartholomew Report.

International News

The virus is now in over 60 countries.

Scotland and the Dominican Republican have had their first cases – this represents the first in the Caribbean.

Italy cases have jumped 50% in the past 24 hours – there are now 1,700 people with coronavirus, and 34 deaths.

Australia & Thailand have had their first deaths.

American Airlines has suspended flights to Milan, Italy.

The Louvre has closed in Paris.

National News

A New York City woman has tested positive and had been traveling in Iran, and has been in a “controlled situation” since arriving in the US.

In the Us there are now 60 confirmed cases, and 2 deaths. The deaths have both been in Washington state – a man in his 70s and a man in his 50s, both with underlying health conditions, and both treated at the same hospital, near Seattle.

In Washington state, genetic research has shown that the virus could have been active in the general community for weeks, meaning there have been hundreds of undiagnosed cases (as well as many who recovered without incident).

Today a meeting of pharmaceutical companies will take place in Washington, DC – and the president will go to the NIH, where research is being done. Expect to see the president take a more visible, regular role in assuring the American people.

Of great concern is the possibility of an outbreak at a nursing home or assisted living center where there are a great number of old-olds who are frail. We continue to ask the question about emergency preparedness for handling visitors and staff who come into facilities.

The Defense Production Act may be implemented to put US needs before all others for producing and shipping medical protective gear, medications, etc.

Preparedness

It’s probably safe to say that things will get worse before they get better.  Read past issues for all our preparedness information. In the past we said to prepare for a week at home – due to recent developments, we will extend that to 30 days.

How to prepare to stay at home for 30 days:

If you – or a family member – or a friend – has been exposed – YOU will be asked to stay at home, too – so what can you do to prepare?

Food

Healthy, easy – nonperishables like soup, tomato sauce, and staples like oil, sugar, flour. Frozen vegetables. COFFEE! Nondairy creamers. Bottled water. Powdered milk, milk, cereal, tea, honey, wine and beer, candy and healthy snacks, crackers, chocolate, energy bars.

Medications

Check on your medications – refill whenever possible – try for a 3-month supply. Cough drops and cough medicine, and over the counter items.

Household goods

Toilet paper – paper towels – toothpaste – feminine hygiene products – soap – laundry detergent – cleaning products, etc.

Pets

Think about a good supply of food – litter – treats – medications. Any vet appointments that are mandatory?

Work-related

Take your computer home – set up Skype or another service like it – take home important papers, phone numbers, etc. Everything you need to work when you are feeling fine, but you just can’t go out.

Online preparedness

A good time to subscribe to a newspaper’s online version – a doctor’s house call online service, deposit a check service from your bank, download some fun games, etc. to pass the time.

Keeping Busy

Buy some games, cards, puzzles, books, arts and crafts – it can get boring very quickly.

Financial preparedness

Can you pay your bills from home? Move money around from accounts? Get all your online capabilities in order.

Autos

Just like in snow you’ll want to keep a full tank of gas, with tires inflated correctly, oil changes taken care of, etc.  If you are in the house for a few days – make sure you start and run your car every other day to keep fluids running – even a quick drive around the block is ok.

Advisors

There are some medical advisors taking to the airwaves to help us clear up what we know, and what we can do. Two particularly knowledgeable – and comforting – Dr. Schaffner (NBC) and Dr. Fauci are so direct we could listen to their steady words of wisdom on all kinds of medical issues.  One doctor, Dr. Dena Grayson, has been taking to Twitter to give some helpful videos – and the videos are helpful – but at the end she suddenly goes on a rant about the president and the administration – we won’t be duped into that vitriol – it’s time for “we are one”.