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Coronavirus Update – Today – March 15, 2020
GOOD NEWS
First RI coronavirus patient, a faculty member at St. Ray’s has been discharged from the hospital.
So. Korea’s huge success in testing must be moderated by realizing that 97% tested negative – or positive for a regular kind of flu/cold/infection – NOT for Covid19
NBA players are helping the hourly workers who work in arenas that host pro basketball. An outpouring of donations has come after games were suspended for at least 30 days when two players tested positive for the coronavirus.
FDA offers Roche emergency OK for testing technology
FDA issues emergency OK to Thermo Fisher for millions of diagnostic kits
INTERNATIONAL
Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Guinea all confirmed their first cases of the new coronavirus on Friday, giving the disease a foothold in 18 countries on the African continent.
Apple closing all stores outside of China – China stores are opening up
Closing – Countries are closing up shop – can’t go out unless it’s for groceries or the pharmacy. Expect that here – can’t imagine, but it’s true.
NATIONAL
Today – National Day of Prayer – President Trump: “I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for God’s healing hand to be placed on the people of our Nation,”
7 more deaths in the US
Empty grocery shelves – no worries – everyone says there is enough food, enough supplies – each morning they will be restocked.
Walmart has extended hours to allow for restocking of items and purchases – in more areas that will be 7am to 11pm
Second New York firefighter tests positive for coronavirus
Colorado shuts down drive-up testing site ‘due to high-volume’
New York opens 2nd remote testing site – on Long Island
Denver moves to limit police contact with public
D.C. Metro reduces subway, bus service starting Monday
NCAA to extend eligibility of spring sports athletes
Washington Monument closes.
Hoboken, New Jersey – a curfew has been put into place
Puerto Rico confirms island’s first cases
New York – 82 year old with preexisting conditions has died
Colorado orders ski resorts to close
President’s Press Conference: UK and Ireland – no coming to US; there might be restrictions on domestic travel within the US; 2nd approved test coming in next couple of days; President has been tested – no results yet. VP said he and his wife will be tested. 5pm Sunday more details about major companies’ involvement will be rolled out.
Domestic Travel restrictions will increase, esp in hard hit areas.
Countries such as Spain, India, etc. are moving to a total lockdown of people in their homes.
The Metropolitan Opera – FREE, 7:30pm – The performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be available to stream for 20 hours. The first week’s schedule, outlined below, will be featuring timeless classics as Carmen, La Bohème, and La Traviata. If your only familiarity with Carmen is the film Carmen: A Hip Hopera starring a young Beyoncé, and the closest you’ve come to watching La Bohème is watching Rent: Live, this is a great way to expand your horizons. – https://www.vulture.com/2020/03/coronavirus-the-metropolitan-opera-to-stream-free-operas.html?utm_campaign=nym&utm_source=tw&utm_medium=s1
Closings of non-essential stores may happen. (Groceries, gas, pharmacies may have reduced hours to allow deep cleaning)
RHODE ISLAND AND VICINITY
Landmark Medical Center implemented a no visitor policy 3/13
Diocese encouraging those infirm or over 60 not to attend services; others can avoid communion; should observe social distancing in seating
RI National Guard – Military Police unit has been called up for support services
Wickford Art Association is closed until tentative reopening on 3/31/20
5th Annual Maya Angelou Poetry Reading has been postponed to Sunday, September 20 at 2pm.
The Stages of Freedom bookstore in Providence has been closed for 30 days.
National Grid is temporarily suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on our customers. These policies are effective immediately and will be in place through the end of April.
Wakefieldbooks.com is open 24/7 and this month, we are now offering free standard shipping on all online or phone orders until further notice.We are offering free curbside pickup of your pre-paid orders or reserves during our business hours
Barrington Books in Barrington & Cranston – free curbside pickup and delivery
Barrington resource teacher tested positive
Numbers: 20 test positive – 500 in quarantine
Brown University is reporting a positive case – and has set deadlines for all students to leave campus buildings.
Social Distancing – we’re all doing it
Staying Home – we need to do it – no matter what
The Governor will continue holding daily news conferences around noon. They are live-streamed on Facebook. Expect more restrictions that will make us cringe – but it might keep us alive and healthy.
PREPAREDNESS
Testing: If you test negative, it means you are negative for that moment in time – that’s why they want you to be symptomatic before being tested. This is true with testing for any virus like this.
Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, Gas Stations – they will be there, prepared, waiting to serve – let’s applaud those who work there. Our essential people in our daily lives – in addition to the entire medical system.
Memorial Hospital: There is an effort to appeal to the state of RI to utilize Memorial Hospital – the first thing China did was build new hospitals – Memorial has been maintained – to sign the petition: