Your Coronavirus Update – Jan. 6, 2022

A row of classroom chairs in front of a window.

RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY Several schools are moving to remote for today and Friday, with decisions to yet be made about next week. Barrington, Coventry, Burrillville, North Kingstown Bristol County, MA is using COVID sniffing dogs in 15 schools – they can show where the virus is and where to disinfect. Knight Library ran out…

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What’s Coming at Us:  What We Must Remember – Michael Fine

A man with a beard and glasses and a picture of a coronavirus.

By Michael Fine © Michael Fine 2021 Take-home points Covid-19 made our polarization worse.  Government prioritized commerce over protecting the lives of Americans. That new priority puts us on a slippery slope towards political violence What each of us says and does matters. You couldn’t help but notice the split between Americans worsen during the…

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Your Coronavirus Update Today, Jan. 5, 2022

A hand holding a bottle of booster dose with the words coronavirus.

Booster graphic: RIDOH RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY There is a national shortage of monoclonal antibodies (MABS). RIDOH is following CDC guidance to prioritize existing supply for those who are at highest risk. The issued this provider guidance. This guidance is posted on RIDOH’s website for reference and was included in RIDOH’s weekly COVID-19 Provider Briefing…

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Expanded use of Pfizer boosters for some children approved by FDA.

Red shadows of people on a blue background.

The 3-step process of to bring vaccinations to the American public has become familiar. First, the FDA acts through either an EUA or general approval, then the AICP, a committee of the CDC grants approval, followed by the 3rd step of full CDC approval. At that point – all expected in this latest EUA to…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Jan. 3, 2021

A group of people standing in a line outside of a building.

RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY Most schools are back to in-person learning today, with a few exceptions: Blackstone Valley Prep is on Zoom Monday & Tuesday with afternoon rapid testing set up on both days for all students and faculty. Barrington offers Zoom participation for students who are sick or because they were a close contact.…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Dec. 31, 2021

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Photo: Marc Pappas, head of RI EMA named to head COVID response in Rhode Island RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY Dr. Michael Fine wrote an exclusive story to RINewsToday – “What’s coming…” – see story, here: https://rinewstoday.com/whats-coming-at-us-more-division-or-more-democracy-not-time-to-say-uncle-yet-michael-fine/ Boosters for children ages 12 and up will be available as early as Monday. Reidy’s Family Restaurant in Newport…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Dec. 30, 2021

A blue van with the words test check in recovery.

Photo: Vans used in city-wide testing system in Miami, Florida RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY RIDE has said schools will plan on opening as planned next week in Rhode Island. Providence students will return on a staggered schedule. Sunday, there will be a testing site for children on Fricker Street. Here is the schedule – when…

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Open government groups’ urgent call to keep remote meetings access and participation

A group of people sitting at a table in a courtroom.

Calling it “a matter of great urgency,” ACCESS/RI, a coalition of open government organizations, has called on Governor Daniel McKee to reinstate an executive order that had been in effect throughout the Covid pandemic until this past June, allowing for remote meetings of public bodies while requiring livestreaming and remote public participation.  In a letter sent…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Dec. 29, 2021

Two military men wearing face masks and gloves.

Photo: Stars & Stripes RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY Some hospitals are calling on the Governor to call in the National Guard – as RI hospitals now have the highest percentage of people in the hospital in the United States. An updated COVID-19 vaccine policy for City of Providence employees was announced, requiring all employees to…

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