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Your Coronavirus Update – Today, Jan. 22, 2021
Photo: One year ago, on Jan. 20, 2020, the first patient, a 33 year old businessman, was diagnosed outside of Seattle, Washington, after a trip to Wuhan, China. He was the first patient to receive remdesivir, and recovered in about 5 days and is doing well – he infected no one in his time at the hospital.
RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY
In Rhode Island, 50,637 first shots have been administered; 63,152 people have received both first and second shots.
Just over 4 percent of the Massachusetts population has received a first dose, and .6% of the population has completed the vaccination process.
Centredale Revival Restaurant in North Providence refuses to abide by restaurant guidelines of COVID19
RI pharmacies are planning for the end of phase 1 – the 75 years and over, non-congregate housed seniors…they anticipate 1/3 of vaccines will be given that way.
Massachusetts is easing business closing restrictions, starting Monday.
Cranston passed a resolution to restore normal business hours – it goes to the Governor for her consideration. Smithfield has passed a similar resolution and North Providence expected to pass its resolution next week. Mayor Elorza and Dr. Scott said they do not support it right now.
The fallout continues with hospital groups Lifespan and Care New England having vaccinated non-patient fronting staff, volunteers, and board members. Cranston representative Charlene Lima will have legislation to make it a felony for any individual, business entity, employees or owners to provide vaccine to anyone not eligible under the state’s determined Phased groups – it also provides for a misdemeanor charge to accept a vaccine if you knew you were not eligible. AG Neronha is also investigating the situation as well as the state Health Dept.
Reports are that RI has received over 127,000 doses but only administered about 46% of what they have received.
92% of veterans at the RI Veterans Home have now received their first shots
Governor’s press update – led by Dr. Scott:
Dr. Scott, Dr. Chan, and Brett Smiley (DOA)
(Gov. Raimondo, Lt. Gov. McKee were both absent from the update)
Reviewed numbers vaccinated, 1st and 2nd doses.
Systems are working well to handle a complex process.
Only getting a limited vaccine like all other states.
Continue to be in the “top tier” of vaccinating in the country.
RI is administering the doses it has with a deliberate focus on equity, fairness and transparency. They are priorities.
RI is sending out a weekly vaccine update – go to C19VaccineRI.org to sign up to receive it.
3.5% positive number for today is great news.
18 fatalities to report – 2,076 total deaths (If the 18: 2 in 50s, 2 in 60s, 4 in 70s, 7 in 80s, 3 in 90s)
After peak in early Dec, our other numbers are decreasing slowly and steadily.
NOTE: We still don’t know if the vaccine will prevent you from totally getting the virus or spreading the virus. The vaccine will help prevent deaths and hospitalizations and prevent the healthcare delivery systems. This is complicated. While vaccine will prevent most people from getting very sick, going to the hospital, or dying, we don’t know if you will be prevented from getting the virus and spread it, you still need to wear a mask, and do all the other precautions you are doing now. Nothing changes with quarantine and isolation. If you’ve been vaccinated and test positive, or a close contact of someone who has, or traveled to another state with a high positivity rate, you should quarantine.
Testing is more available than ever before – portal.ri.gov – many sites throughout RI. Several new sites are opening.
Newer strain of COVID19 – we have not seen it here yet, though we can expect it to be here.
Vaccine: we don’t have enough right now for all of RI.
Treatment is available if you test positive and have symptoms with other qualifiers.
Dr. Chan, vaccine update: Older adults and healthcare providers are our priority now. Stepwise approach as vaccine still isn’t enough to do all of these. With older adults being 187,000 over 65 – if we were to say that all of these were available to get vaccinated right now, it would take months to get through all. Nursing homes in Dec. This week in assisted living facilities. Middle of next month, 75 years of age and older. Would not be fair to extend to 65, In other states that have done this, huge lines and crowds. Healthcare providers are 65,000 – we still don’t have enough to get through this group – it would take months. We started with those in hospitals, then EMS, now outpatient healthcare providers, primary care, etc.
Also vaccinating hard hit areas (Central Falls) – over 18.
Asking for patience.
2500 per day total, counting 1st and 2nd doses per week. Hospitals are getting 2nd doses, regional clinics (pharmacists, etc.)
CVS and Walgreens completed 1st round of nursing homes. Starting on assisted living. Will go 3 times to do everyone with both vaccines.
Jan. 25th – same groups but outpatient healthcare providers will begin – pediatricians, primary care, dentists, etc. Funeral home workers, group home workers. Then go to 75 years of age and older. Number of sites: pharmacies, clinics, senior centers could be some sites.
Finalizing plans for next phase – will be presented tomorrow and finalized next week.
Myths: no evidence to vaccine and fertility. No evidence about birth defects or fetal loss. Vaccine does not alter DNA. Vaccine does not cause COVID19.
Q & A:
Q: Brian Crandall: Question about AG’s office investigation about Lifespan issue of distributing vaccine among board members, at-home staff, etc.
A: Dr. Scott: Hospitals have been good partners. We must protect our infrastructure of hospitals. Were told to vaccinate highest exposure healthcare workers, first. Then go from there – social workers, administrators, dietitians, etc. As hospitals have moved into non-clinical staff, we have asked them to go out to other medical providers. They can then vaccinate anyone who contributes to the functioning of the hospital in any way.
Q: What penalties should be established for those who jump the line or for hospitals that don’t follow directions?
A: We’ve made clear about the rules and the need to change course if something isn’t working.
Q: Bill Bartholomew: People complained about Dr. Finale getting vaccine weeks ago. Looking back is that sort of optics something to avoid?
A: Dr. Chan: Visible people are leaders to show they believe in it.
Q: Ford: Casinos represent top revenue for state. What are they doing about no masks, no social distancing, use of KFC wipes instead of antiseptic wipes? Now they are losing their health insurance. Unsafe, unsanitary conditions, what will admin do to protect workers?
A: Smalley: Not aware that they are exempt from any regulations. If there are violations, RI DBR will inspect. Employees have same recourse every other employee has in RI. They are not exempt from inspections. They will be held to the same standards.
Q: Some states have tried to go out and buy more vaccine on their own – is there anything RI can do to get more vaccine?
A: RI has explored all opportunities. Additional vaccines are expected soon.
Q: Biggest pushback is for not starting with 65.
A: This is exactly what we are doing. What other states are doing is creating chaos, long lines, etc.
Q: What is causing lower positivity rate?
A: Result of compilation of all the work we’ve done.
Q: Easing restrictions?
A: We need to continue what we have – we need to be ready for the novel strain that is coming our way. Also need to prepare for colleges and universities.
Q: Opening up sports? Basketball?
A: We have to proceed carefully with sports. Having mitigation steps in place is important,
Q: Have you talked to hospitals about board members getting vaccines? Changes?
A: As we get to more low risk that help hospital function but are not doing outpatient groups such as primary care docs, dentists, etc., they should pivot.
Q: Resolutions from cities/towns to adjust closing down regulations, early closing times, etc. how do you feel?
A: Now is not the time with colleges back in session, and knowing there is a more virulent strain nearby, etc. – maybe in 3 weeks we can revisit this.
Q: Do you expect another surge?
A: Absolutely possible.
RI Data – Jan 21, 2021
Deaths: 18
Tests – 20,079 – Positives – 698 – Percent positive – 3.5%
Hospitalized – 379 – In ICU – 51 – Ventilated – 36
Deaths in hospital – 9 – New Admissions – 58 – New Discharges – 59
First vaccines: 50,637 Second vaccines: 12,515
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
One year ago, the first case of coronavirus was identified in a person traveling from Wuhan who went to an urgent care center near Seattle. Dr. George Diaz, head of infectious diseases at Providence Medical Center who treated the 33 year old businessman, who survived, said he and the patient still keep in touch.
“It’s gonna get worse before it gets better” – Pres. Biden said yesterday and he expects 100K Americans to die in his first 6 weeks in office. His plan includes: morePPE, testing materials and vaccines; mask mandate; moving to “real-time” data collection; more resources for schools so they can safely reopen; more use of National Guard personnel where needed. Also calling for a more uniform country approach rather than an individual state-run approach. Also positioning Dr. Fauci as the scientific lead. A billion-dollar ad campaign is planned.
Amazon has said that they are ready to assist with vaccinations in the US – They have 800,000 employees. They submitted their letter on inauguration day and there is a lot of turmoil that Amazon could have helped before, in the Trump administration, but didn’t..
Starting at 5 a.m. Friday, D.C.’s indoor dining ban will be lifted, and restaurants will be able to return to serving 25% of their regular capacity – Maryland will also follow suit.
Nursing home patients who have gotten the Eli Lilly monoclonal antibodies have been shown to have a decreased risk of getting the virus.
States are expected to run out of doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine within days. States have had to cancel thousands of vaccine appointments
There are seven doses are in one Pfizer vial and 11 doses in a Moderna vial.
More people are choosing to wear 2 masks.
A COVID-19 vaccine being developed by New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson could dramatically speed up the fight against the pandemic. It is expected next month.
Vaccine hoarding – Less wealthy nations, where national vaccination campaigns have yet to begin. COVAX, the joint effort to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines managed by the World Health Organization; Gavi, the Vaccines Alliance; and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, was meant to solve so-called vaccine nationalism, but it has struggled to get off the ground.
There is no longer any U.S. county free of COVID-19, with Alaska and Hawaii now battling disease.
The Olympics are planned to move ahead for July with no Plan B in Tokyo, though 80% of residents want to see it postponed. Vaccines have not started in Tokyo yet.
Arnold Schwarzenegger at Dodgers Stadium drive-through vaccination clinic:
“It’s gonna get worse before it gets better” – Pres. Biden said yesterday and he expects 100K Americans to die in his first 6 weeks in office.
What a great inspirational leader?? How they heck does he know? When all the so called experts are clueless and change form week to week.. C’mon man!!
Hmmmmm is he just being political.. like oh joey came in and saved the day… nah… he is not like that…
(Gov. Raimondo, Lt. Gov. McKee were both absent from the update- Where the heck are they??
The numbers have dropped they should be here announcing of an increase in capacity extended hours and bars at restaurants to reopen. What is going on with our elected officials.. besides being self serving as being the most important to them… could they just once can they just once put these business ahead of their own self serving interest.???