Coronavirus Update Today – March 12, 2020

GOOD NEWS

The Good News is that Rhode Island is taking preparedness measures NOW that the state of Washington is only doing today – after the level of coronavirus has made it an epicenter in the US. We think compliance is proven and we encourage us all to heed what we know will make a big difference in survivability.

Summary:

1.  Over 60?  Stay home as much as possible.

2.  Sick? Even a little bit?  Feeling “off”?  Stay home.

3.  Avoid attending – or planning – events with 250 people or more.

4.  Keep 6 feet between you and other people – waiting in line, at work, etc.

Also – Nursing Homes who cannot properly screen visitors, staff and vendors can opt to close to all visitors and restrict patients leaving the building (only for medical emergencies).

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

1. Suspending all travel to US from Europe (not UK) for the next 30 days – with exceptions for US nationals coming home (So. Korea may have early relief) – details still being developed – stay tuned
2. Immediate payroll tax relief
3. SBA small business loans at low interest
4. People who are ill, at home caring for others, etc. should receive paycheck –
5. Health insurance pkg – tests, treatment, surprise medical bills – zero cost
6. Elderly should be extra cautious in traveling
7. Nursing Home visitations should be suspended unless medically necessary
8. Social distancing program very important
9. US took early action on China – Temporary moment in Time – if we take emergency action now we can prevent the virus tomorrow.
   
   

INTERNATIONAL

WHO now declares the Coronavirus is a pandemic

Italy – All domestic sports have been suspended

Italy orders all stores to close except pharmacies, markets

England – UK health minister diagnosed with coronavirus

Italian soccer club Juventus announced that one of its players, defender Daniele Rugani, has tested positive for COVID-19.

NATIONAL

Dr. Fauci – It will get worse before it gets better.

Chicago – St. Patrick’s Day parade canceled – the one with the green riverways

American College of Cardiology canceled its annual flagship event, scheduled for Chicago in late March.

Biden campaign announced they will conduct virtual events

New York City, SAR Academy has 29 confirmed cases of coronavirus at the New York City Jewish day school, including faculty, students and staff.

AIPAC Conference – 5^th case was confirmed among participants

Movies – The CDC cautioned all seniors (ages 60+) not to go to movie theaters

Music festival, Coachella, has been postponed until October.

AMTRAK is announcing no fee changes – and enhanced cleaning of trains

San Francisco & Seattle – large gatherings banned

Congress shutting down Capitol tours

San Francisco leases RVs to use as self-isolation facilities

March Madness will continue – with no fans.

The NBA has suspended the season after a player tested positive from the Jazz

Actor Tom Hanks & wife Rita Wilson have tested positive and are in Australia

Johns Hopkins will be screening patients in question outside the ER building entrance

Starbucks will offer “catastrophe pay” of 14 days to allow barristas to stay home if they have been exposed

RHODE ISLAND & REGION

URI will go to remote learning after next week’s spring vacation week

CCRI to switch to online classes

Johnson & Wales switching to online classes – 3 students being tested

Salve Regina will move to online classes after spring break

Providence College classes are canceled and will move online

Rhode Island College – cancelling classes from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, 2020. On Monday, March 23, classes will resume through online and/or alternative delivery until further notice

URI Ryan Center – all events with 100+ are canceled starting next week

Massachusetts cases have risen to 95.

Hopkinton, MA closes schools

Wayland, MA closes two schools

The RI Home Show is canceled

The Dunk has canceled all events for the next two weeks.

ARIA – RI Authors – Book event for 3/28 has been canceled

Boston University & Northeastern – moving to online classes

Emerson College is suspending all classes next week

Roger Williams University will close after spring break – all dining/residence halls are closed until further notice

UMass system will move to virtual classes

Twin River Casino has announced additional cleaning of all public and staff areas, including gaming floor – extra sanitation products available

Gun Bills – The RI Legislature rescheduled hearings on 18+ gun bills at the RI State House in expectation of hundreds/thousands of people coming to the event. All other hearings will be held.

The Torch Run Plunge has been postponed at Salty Brine State Beach

ACI cancels all visitation

PREPAREDNESS

Governor’s Press Conference – Key messages for the public

• If you have traveled anywhere internationally (or anywhere overnight in the U.S.) in the last 14 days, monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19. These symptoms include fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
• For people who have traveled to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, or Japan, in addition to monitoring yourself for symptoms, self-quarantine for 14 days. That means do not go to work or school and stay at home.
• Whenever possible, avoid close personal contact with people in public. When greeting people avoid handshakes and hugs. Additional guidance is available from CDC.
• Although Rhode Island has the testing capacity it needs, people without symptoms should not be tested for COVID-19. Testing individuals with no symptoms is not recommended by CDC.
• People who think they have COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider. These people should not go directly to a healthcare facility without first calling a healthcare provider (unless they are experiencing a medical emergency). Healthcare providers have a dedicated number that they are then using to consult with RIDOH on potential COVID-19 cases.
• Early data suggest that older adults are twice as likely to experience serious COVID-19 illness. RIDOH is reiterating CDC’s guidance for people older than 60 years of age:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
• Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
• More information is available from CDC.
• People with general questions about COVID-19 can visit www.health.ri.gov/covid, write to [email protected], or call 401-222-8022. This is the COVID-19 Hotline that RIDOH has available to the public. (After hours people are being directed to call 211.)

Tests show new virus lives on some surfaces for up to 3 days- disinfect most often used surfaces often.

• Everyone can help stop the spread of viruses in Rhode Island.