Covid and Citizen Public Health. Masks and a few other ideas – Dr. Michael Fine

A man with glasses and a beard standing near a river.

By Michael Fine, MD, contributing writer © Michael Fine 2023  Good news: Data from densely populated communities and the state data suggests we are likely past the peak of the most recent surge-let, earlier than I thought.  Hospitalizations and deaths went up briefly but are now declining again.  We had many more illnesses, hospitalizations, and…

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Mythbusting COVID – Nick Landekic

Two hands reaching up to the sky.

by Nick Landekic, special to RINewsToday There is a great deal of confusion, misunderstanding, and outright disinformation circulating about COVID. It’s costing people their lives. Here are some common myths and the realities behind them. Myth #1: The pandemic is over. Reality: The COVID pandemic is not over. Over 254,000 Americans died of COVID last…

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Supplemental SNAP benefit payments will end

A wooden table in a market with people in the background.

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) announced today that the federal government will end COVID-19 related SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit payments after the February 2023 issuance. Beginning on March 1, 2023, SNAP households will only receive their regular monthly SNAP issuance on the first of each month. DHS will be corresponding…

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In the Arena – Dr. Michael Koster – COVID issues today

A bald man in a suit sitting in front of a desk.

Each week Joe Paolino, Jr. features leaders in the state to discuss issues of importance to Rhode Islanders. This week Paolino talks with Dr. Michael Koster of Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Koster talks about the COVID uptick and the protection provided by vaccines. There are also variants of the flu strain – A & B. This…

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