Subscribe!
Coronavirus Update – Today, March 8, 2020
INTERNATIONAL
Italy moving to lockdowns for 10 million people, including Milan – no one allowed to leave or enter for weeks– replacing China as new epicenter of virus
Italy has 1,145 new confirmations of coronavirus, making the total 5,061. Italy began at 3 cases 16 days ago. 197 people have died. The overwhelming majority of cases are in north Italy, but everyone over 65 or in poor health is asked to stay home.
Italy’s head of co-governing Democratic Party, Nicola Zingaretti, tested positive and is in self-isolation.
Italy suggesting citizens do not visit their aging relatives for now (noteworthy that most aging relatives do not live in facilities, but live in private homes, with family)
Saudi Arabia calls upon those who were in Lebanon, Egypt, Korea and Italy to isolate themselves for two weeks from the date of their return.
US Military – 2 have tested positive – one in Italy and one in So. Korea – the US Military has implemented “Prevent, Detect and Treat” pandemic plans.
China will contribute 20 billion dollars towards the fight against covid19
NATIONAL
Cruise ship enhanced protocols will be developed in next 72 hours – new quarantining standards, testing, etc. urging all elderly to avoid cruises.
Stanford University will complete last two weeks of semester on-line
The Fed said it was considering how it could encourage financial firms to ease loan repayment terms for people adversely affected by the virus.
MLB – urging players not to use fans pens/markers to sign posters and items
NHL has closed dressing rooms to members of the media – the MLB and NBA is expected to do the same.
Caltech is postponing/canceling all large public events through Monday, April 6.
New York – Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, GrubHub, Instacart and Postmates – CEOs urging them to set up health funds to compensate drivers who have to cut back their hours.
Kansas – first case, 50 year old woman, at home isolation
Utah – first case
Seattle – deaths have risen to 13
Florida – two have died of coronavirus – both had traveled out of the country and were in their 70s
Virginia – US Marine, Fort Belvoir tests positive
New York Fire Dept. has banned firefighters from responding to potential coronavirus patients, leaving response to paramedics and EMTs
Gig Work – consulting – independent contractors – self-employed – this could be a hardship time – because no federal government is stepping in to help keep you afloat. Hopefully, insurance companies will use this as a time to develop special “Gig Insurance”.
Internet – 6-7 million US households with school-age children do not have internet access.
The SEC said the agency was advising staff stay home when they are sick or when they have returned from coronavirus hotspots. “The agency also is focused on ensuring telework readiness and adjusting travel arrangements where appropriate,” she added.
AMTRAK canceling nonstop service between NY& DC due to decreased demand
The United States is now one of the top 10 countries for cases of coronavirus
Another cruise ship, location undisclosed, is being watched; testing all crew
RHODE ISLAND & REGION
CCRI suspends international travel as precaution against coronavirus
Massachusetts – 5 new cases, bringing total to 15
Nursing Home and healthcare facilities. Restrictions on screening of visitors will include screening of staff, vendors, and all others who enter the facilities. This appears to be a questioning at this point – with no forehead thermometer screening. Over 85% of cases have a fever, even when no, or very little symptoms are present.
Hospitals. The Lifespan Hospitals – Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Bradley Hospital and Newport Hospital. Children 12 and younger, including siblings, are prohibited from visiting Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
Doctor with Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut has tested positive after exposure to a patient who tested positive in New York. Staff do not require isolation.
PREPAREDNESS
Our Pets – (From PETCO): There have been reports of pet parents abandoning their pets because or erroneous concerns about coronavirus.People who are sick with COVID-19 should restrict their contact with animals. If you see any changes in the health condition of your pets, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible. As always, pet parents should adopt good hygiene habits, such as washing their hands before and after handling pets, their food and supplies, and maintain a clean environment. Here is a Q&A with more detail:
Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images