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Coronavirus Update – Today, May 9, 2020
Photo: Cranston West track which opens today, Mayor Fung’s Facebook page
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
NYC may limit entry to parks if crowds develop
An aide to Vice President Mike Pence has tested positive for coronavirus.
Hyatt Hotels and American Airlines are joining forces to give more than 4,000 employees at hard-hit Elmhurst hospital in New York City complimentary vacations when they are able to take time off,
Dr. Deborah Birx has been tapped to help manage the distribution of remdesivir to hospitals nationwide.
73 cases of children have developed symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease, a rare but potentially dangerous complication thought to be linked to the coronavirus. 85 such cases have been reported in children around the U.S. 9 states are known to have cases, with some deaths reported.
Rural Maine retail stores, restaurants can soon reopen with restrictions
Oregon strip club pivots to preparing food, and its dancers deliver
New drug trial looks at remdesivir combined with anti-inflammatory.
The World Health Organization said Friday that although a market in the Chinese city of Wuhan selling live animals likely played a significant role in the emergence of the new coronavirus, it does not recommend that such markets be shut down globally.
Restaurants that are buffet style dining are closing permanently around the country, or changing their serving format entirely, as the end of buffet service is predicted.
RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY
NOTE: Today the Executive Order releases the Stay at Home order – HOWEVER – it also says “Vulnerable Populations Strongly Advised to Remain Home” – issuing cautions for RI’s “vulnerable population” – defined as “All vulnerable populations identified by the CDC which include those who are 65 and older are strongly advised to stay at home unless they must go to work, travel for medical treatment or obtain other necessities such as groceries, gas or medication. See all the details for all Rhode Islanders, and businesses, here:
https://governor.ri.gov/documents/orders/Executive-Order-20-32.pdf
Cape Cod Hospital will furlough over 600 non-medical workers.
The Providence Journal reports that “no one is willing to say” the details of what happened to RI’s stockpile of PPE equipment that was largely out of date, and had part of its stock destroyed by a broken water pipe in a building.
RI never closed manufacturing companies, unlike most other states. Today, three companies were noted as having significant outbreaks: Antaya Tecnologies in Warwick – 30; Zoll Medical in Pawtucket – 75; and WaterRower in Warren – 30 people.
No live performance on the banks of the Charles River from the Boston Pops, or its accompanying fireworks display. The Boston Pops will instead create a tribute to frontline workers and those who have lost their lives in the pandemic that will be broadcast on television, radio, and online.
The walking tracks and tennis courts in Cranston will reopen on Saturday. Playgrounds, fields, and basketball courts will remain closed for now. Users are encouraged to wear your mask, stay 6 feet away from other family groups, and stop throwing your gloves on the ground, said Mayor Fung.
Bishop Tobin said there has been discussions about why certain entities—like liquor stores and drug dispensaries—remain open while others—like churches and libraries—remain closed are legitimate and should continue. For this reason, the U.S. Attorney General has warned governors about religious specific restrictions.
Champlin Foundation has awarded $1 million in grants to 63 local nonprofits in their efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two police groups have announced their opposition to policing the mandatory mask rule – Warwick and North Providence. However, the Warwick Police Dept issued a rebuttal statement saying their officers would do their jobs.
Delta Airlines has temporarily pulled out of TF Green Airport – earlier Jet Blue announced the same. Delta has also left other cities.
Foxwoods is laying off most of their workers, without benefits.
RI is facing more than $800M deficit in its budget.
Mayor of Boston has announced all festivities will be canceled in Boston through Labor Day.
RI community health centers get $3.7M to expand testing
The Salvation Army stores have closed permanently in Pawtucket and North Providence
RI Hospital & Care New England CEOs – said this disease is not going away. Right now, there has been a slow gradual decline in # of inpatients. Most hospitals starting elective procedures next Monday.
Dr. Michael Fine – It’s time we all realize we are all getting this disease – it is not going away. The slog will be longer and more pronounced than anyone thought.
WPRO is now furloughing talk show hosts so jobs and funds can be conserved. This week Matt Allen was out – returning on May 11.
RI Data – 5-8-2020
11 deaths
2 in 50s, 6 in 70s, 2 in 80s, 1 in 90s – Included 1 person from RI Veterans Home (adding to 2 we reported on yesterday)
To date, in RI, over 95% of people who have gotten the coronavirus have survived and the remainder have either died or are in the hospital.
Travel to RI: if you come here overnight from any other place you have to stay here for 14 days on quarantine.
Get togethers are limited to 5, especially this weekend that is important for Mother’s Day.
Retail stores are starting to open again. Go shop, 6 feet away, masks, etc.
Key is patience and flexibility. End of Phase 1 – outdoor dining will be coming.
Signing Executive Order spelling out non-compliance regulations, fines, etc. for businesses, employers.
Mother’s Day ideas if loved one is in nursing home – call them, do a video chat, sending a promise of a future event, we all need things to look forward to; don’t go to the windows, or parking lots, that can be quite disturbing
Questions:
Lodging industry in Newport – can’t commit now to dates in future. Send your ideas on RI Reopen website.
Hispanic community very concerned about reopening. These are concerns being evaluating throughout the US. Looking at access to testing, quarantining, education, etc.
Nursing home testing – happening in people without symptoms – tests work best on people with symptoms. When we use it without symptoms, it is less reliable. When we use it in congregate setting it’s because we need to act aggressively. If negative we consider that the condition could change any day. It’s a tool we are using.
What can you say to the nursing home people watching about their future? What is shared is challenging, heartbreaking – nursing home staff are their second family. Think creatively to support our loved ones. Heartbreaking question. We love you; we care for you. We know how hard it is. Elderly Affairs – focused on isolation and loneliness – virtual interactions – expect more to be announced.
What would cause you to pause moving to Phase 1? We won’t see negative effects of bad weekend behavior for 2 weeks. At moment, Gov. feels confidant. If we don’t “obey” next week, then we could have a problem in 2 weeks and have to retreat.
RI has as a state an overall lower mortality rate than our neighboring states.
Warwick refusal to enforce action for not mask wearing – not concerned; expectation is we will be kind to one another. Voluntary compliance. Other sites have similar orders; CDC recommends it. RI State Police will enforce if Warwick won’t – we hope our law enforcement officials will deescalate a situation.
Zinc supplements or other vitamins, oxidants we might take to lessen our battle with this disease – Dr. Scott said there are no double-blind studies, but there are no studies which
Executive Order on legal immunity will be renewed but it will be much narrower.
Revenue Conference – what is next step on budget? Expect it to be quite grim. Problem is we won’t have clarity until first week of June on what next stimulus will look like.
Today is a partial opening in Rhode Island – here is a primer and you can also go to: https://www.reopeningri.com/
