Coronavirus Update Today – March 9, 2020

The Coronavirus is now beyond the point of control – and community spread is growing.

We will also start leading with the goodnews!

GOOD NEWS

Shanghai Disneyland – has begun to open again in a staged capacity way, with some shopping, dining, and recreational activities – they had been closed since Jan. 25th.

China – number of new cases has plateaued – at least 2 of the 17 hastily built hospitals have now been closed due to lack of patients.

Cruise Ship – a cruise ship in Florida was tested – found negative – and has disembarked.

INTERNATIONAL

England – GPs (general practitioners) told to switch to digital consiultations (virtual) to combat covid-19

Pope is streaming mass to dissuade people from gathering in the square

Italian churches have told people to stay home and not attend mass

France has banned large gatherings

Moscow is threatening 5 year prison term for failure to self-isolate for 2 weeks after visiting suspect countries

Bethlehem is on lockdown

NATIONAL

University of Washington goes to virtual classes after staff member tests positive

Vermont has its first case.

US Congress – is an aging one – and expect to see more precautions – including virtual work – as two congressman – as Rep. Gosar of Ariaona and Sen. Cruz of Texas self-quarantine – both due to a possible exposure at the CPAC conference.

Iowa has its first 3 cases – all are doing well

Columbia University has been suspended with some remote classes being held

Washington State care center – three staff members have tested positive

Uber & Lyft will compensate drivers who are positive for coronavirus and have to be quarantined

New York – 16 new cases announced on Sunday morning

Massachusetts cases have risen to 28

White House – The President’s physician and United States Secret Service have been working to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the first family and the entire White House Complex safe and healthy

Cruise Ship off coast of California will be going to Oakland with passengers to be quarantined in California, Texas and Georgia.

Another cruise ship off the coast of Florida is not yet being allowed to dock due to possible need to be tested

Oregon has a total of 14 cases and has declared a state of emergency

RHODE ISLAND & REGION

Massachusetts total identified with coronavirus is now 28.

RI Dept. of Health had no statements on Sunday – but did tweet this: Some people have questioned why the CDC is here in RI when coronavirus has spread to more people in other states. The CDC has 4 teams deployed throughout the country for COVID-19. That’s in addition to the 5 teams that were previously deployed. They plan to stay about 2 weeks.

PREPAREDNESS

Older people & those at high risk – Dr. Fauci tells people the virus can get people into trouble if they are older and if they have medical conditions – he advises people to take steps – NOW – not when things get worse – to limit going into crowds – and above all else – “do not get on a cruise ship”.

Cruise Ships – The US State Dept issued a strong statement for US Citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship.

Surgeon General Jerome Adams told the public to be prepared for more cases and fatalities

Coronavirus Testing – testing is expected to be made available starting today at private labs. As we understand it, the test will be done in the doctor’s office and reading will take place in the labs, for most cases involving private labs, such as Quest. The test is both a nose and a mouth swab. There will be no cost for the test. How long results will take seems to be an unanswered question. There will also be “off-site” testing locations the RIDOH is setting up. This info is fluid and can change, without notice. We will update!

Smoking and using electronic cigarettes makes people more vulnerable to coronavirus, New York City officials warned Sunday. 

Dating apps are reporting more people are “talking” and less meeting-up is going on.

NOTE: The “regular flu has killed 20,000 Americans including 136 children so far this season”, CDC says.