Your Coronavirus Update – Jan. 7, 2022

(updated throughout the day)

RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY

Dr. Philip Chan, RIDOH, says he is optimistic we will see a steep, sudden and significant decrease by the end of January if other countries’ experiences can be used as a model.

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COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Updates in Advance of Adverse Weather

In response to the adverse weather expected, operations will be adjusted at some COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites.

Rhode Island’s outdoor testing site hours will change from 8am to 6pm to noon to 8pm.  

• Cumberland Stop & Shop 
• CCRI Warwick Parking Lot (new location) 
• McCoy Stadium 
• Pawtucket Stop & Shop 
• Woonsocket State-run Test Site 

People who had morning appointments at these sites will have those appointments honored at any point later in the day.

The Wickford Train Station site and the outdoor Pre K-12 Pine Street testing site in Pawtucket will operate tomorrow during normal hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

The Rhode Island Convention Center ticket booth will move indoors to the Dunkin Donuts Center concourse for Friday.

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Vaccination

The vaccination clinic planned for the Providence Public Library downtown Friday is canceled. People who had appointments there are being rescheduled to the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Centers with over 5 new cases in last 7 days – as of 1/5/22:

Berkshire Place, Providence – 5 to 9

Bethany Home, Providence – 5 to 9

Briarcliffe, Johnston – 15 to 19

Elmhurst, Providence – 5 to 9

Kent Regency, Warwick – 10 to 14

Mt. St. Rita, Cumberland – 5 to 9

Orchard View, East Providence – 5 to 9

Respiratory & Rehab Center, Coventry – 10 to 14

Village House, Newport – 5 to 9

Waterview Villa, East Providence – 15 to 19

Check all facilities, here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1c2QrNMz8pIbYEKzMJL7Uh2dtThOJa2j1sSMwiDo5Gz4/edit#gid=500394186

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

58 million Americans have been infected, and 835,000 have died.

The Flurona has been detected in Kansas, Texas, and California – first detected in Israel – it’s when both the flu and coronavirus infect a person together.

‘Today’ host Hoda Kotb tests positive for COVID-19

Sundance Film Festival not running.

Chicago Fire has paused production

Chicago schools are still closed with teachers saying it is COVID testing that is most important for them to return safely.

The first study to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of fully vaccinated patients with cancer who had breakthrough COVID-19 infections indicates they remained at high risk for hospitalization and death. The study, published Dec. 24 in Annals of Oncology showed that fully vaccinated patients who experienced breakthrough infections had a hospitalization rate of 65%, an ICU or mechanical ventilation rate of 19%, and a 13% death rate.

Hong Kong put a ban on flights from US and 7 other countries, closure of Game arcades, bars and beauty salons, and a 9pm curfew on restaurant dining.

Billionaire Richard Branson says recovering from ‘mild’ case of COVID

Mayo Clinic fires 700 unvaccinated employees — about 1% of its workforce –

New Mayor of NYC Eric Adams weighs in: “I love New Yorkers being out using our sidewalks…but we have to do it right.”

Star Trek: Picard with Patrick Stewart with over 4,000 staff members is now on pause.

James Corden tests positive – fully (3) positive.

Canada is investigating a “party plane” on the way to Cancun – charter flight of maskless, partying full plane. Passengers could be fined $5,000 each. Some passengers are now positive and stranded in Mexico isolating.

The number of hospitalized children with COVID is soaring around the country – with medical experts appealing to the CDC and the government to change direction. Many hospitals are seeing 1/3 of pediatric admissions in unvaccinated children, and children under 5, with symptoms often beginning as a croup-like cough. Hospitals in Colorado and DC are seeing record admissions.

Florida has asked the government if it can extend expiration dates on 1 million kits found but can’t be used.

White House is working with USPS to ship testing kits to Americans mid-January.

JAMA says “COVID is here to stay” – the world has to learn how to manage it with a new strategy – such as we manage the flu. New strategies include how to handle hospital systems, pediatric care, etc.