RI Coronavirus Update – Today, Nov. 12, 2020

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

United will return to New York’s JFK airport after a five-year absence

Testing: People are being advised to wait 3-5 days if they are exposed to someone or they may test negative, falsely. The virus needs to build up in your system to register.

A member of President-elect Biden’s COVID advisory team is suggesting a possible 4-6 week lockdown, with compensation for lost wages. By January it is questionable what state we will be in with the virus.

Homeowners are winter-prepping their outside spaces with heaters, pizza ovens and fire pits.

The National Health Services (NHS) in England says general practitioner doctors’ services will be cut back well into 2021 so family doctors can immunize millions of people against coronavirus at new seven-day-a-week clinics.

Research is showing that Restaurants and gyms were spring ‘superspreader’ sites

COVID-19 patients who have developmental disorders are three times more likely to die from the virus.

20 million coronavirus cases expected by Christmas

Wheaton College announced late Thursday that the private college will transition to remote learning

State of Wisconsin says their hospitals are nearing capacity and they fear that soon they won’t be able to save everyone – positivity rate in Wisconsin testing is 30%.

Celebrity Hugh Grant had coronavirus in the summer and recovered well at home, having lost his sense of smell as his first symptom.

Novavax on track to begin U.S. trial of COVID-19 vaccine this month.

A new CDC Mask Study says masks, even cloth masks, work to prevent the spread of coronavirus. This follows a study a few weeks back that said only surgical masks or N95 masks work.

Russia claims a vaccine – named Sputnik – has been developed showing 92% effectiveness. 2 doses give 2 years immunity. Doctors are beginning to be vaccinated. The WHO has not independently evaluateted it. This vaccine does not need to be super-cold stored.

Texas has surpassed 1 million residents with COVID-19

5 NFL teams have canceled games for this weekend.

• Ohio State-Maryland (canceled)
• Alabama-LSU (TBD)
• Texas A&M-Tennessee (rescheduled for Dec. 12)
• George-Missouri (TBD)
• Memphis-Navy (TBD)
• Auburn-Mississippi St (rescheduled for Dec. 12)
• Wyoming-Air Force (canceled)

Japan keeping attendance rates at large events at 50% through February.

New York bars, restaurants must close at 10pm. – “Contact tracers have identified bars / restaurants, gyms, and private gatherings as the three primary sources of new COVID-19 cases.” In New York

Connecticut, Minnesota and New Jersey — are joining NY in a 10 p.m. curfew for bars, restaurants and gyms.

RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY

Cranston schools will move to virtual for the remainder of the week. School scheduled to resume Tuesday – with Monday a PD day.

Cumberland High School goes to virtual and says that RI is falling behind on contact tracing.

Contact tracers are still being recruited by RIDOH – but they must work at the Health Dept. offices – some would want to work from home, but that is not an option at this point.

As hospitalizations increase, hospitals begin diverting rescues at an ever-increasing rate.

ConvergenceRI reporting Central Falls testing rates are 20% – people lined up for testing – more than 100 in a day.

Asymptomatic testing site now open at Wickford Train Station, 1011 Ten Road Rd, North Kingstown – by appointment

Newport City Manager Joseph Nicholson has tested positive for COVID, he said during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Restaurants/Bars: RI has launched another grant program to provide assistance. Restaurants and bars need only to answer a few questions to verify their eligibility and will receive a grant between $2,000 and $10,000 within thirty days. The application can be found here. Any bar and restaurant owners impacted by the early shutdowns that has an active Meals and Beverage account or liquor license with the RI Division of Taxation and has paid taxes for the months of July, August and September is eligible. If you meet those requirements, you should apply immediately through the Division of Taxation’s website. The deadline is December 15^th. If you have questions, please look at the helpful FAQ section that we’ve put together. And if you don’t meet the requirements but still need help for your business, call (401) 521-HELP to learn about other programs that may be right for you.

Pawtucket Fire Dept. has 12+ cases.

A RI GOP bill will entitle all residents of health-care facilities and group homes the opportunity to designate a support person for regular, in-person visits. The policy is designed to assist facilities in balancing disease transmission protocols with the benefits of having a loved one present during a lockdown.

More than 1/2 of Americans say they will travel this year for Thanksgiving, though staying away from going in to major cities.

RI Data:

RI Governor Address TODAY, 1pm – go to Facebook for a Live Feed link. She is expected to address Thanksgiving – and the surge happening in the state.

Thanksgiving recommendations are to celebrate in your own home with those you live with. Period.