Amid Coronavirus Concerns, RI School Cancels Trip To Spain

PAWTUCKET, RI — Amid ongoing concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus in Rhode Island, the school connected with the state's two confirmed cases has canceled a planned trip abroad. St. Raphael's Academy announced Thursday that the planned trip to Spain in April would not go forward as planned.

According to school officials, the process of canceling began on Monday. The school is working with EF Education Tours, wthe company used for the international trips, and all participants will receive a travel voucher for a future trip.

Earlier this week, the school announced that it would remain closed for an additional week, with classes set to resume on March 16. All students will continue to receive online learning at home during that time.

Rhode Island's two confirmed cases of COVID-19 are connected with a trip to Italy organized through the school. The first, a man in his 40s, is still hospitalized and in stable condition, the Rhode Island Department of Health said, while the second, a teenage girl, had mild symptoms and recovered at home. A third person, a woman in her 30s who chaperoned the trip, tested negative after developing respiratory symptoms.

As for other large groups planning trips, state officials encouraged schools and organizations to reach out to the Rhode Island Department of Health to discuss the best steps forward.

On Thursday, Governor Gina Raimondo and department's Director of Health Dr. Nicole Alexander-Smith said there are currently round 200 people in quarantine, self-monitoring for symptoms.

The department launched a 24-hour hotline for anyone with questions about the coronavirus, 401-222-8022. Residents can also call 211 after 4:30 p.m. for assistance.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets, the same way that other common seasonal illnesses such as the flu are transmitted. For this reason, officials are encouraging all residents to take the same steps they normally would during flu season, especially washing hands thoroughly and often, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Other steps include:

• Get a flu shot, and encourage those around you to do the same. While this will not help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it is an effective tool to keep people with the flu from developing complications that require hospitalization.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than a hand or the air.
• Stay home from school or work if sick.
• Keep surfaces, especially bedside tables, bathrooms and children's toys clean by wiping them down with disinfectant.
• Get plenty of sleep, by physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods to maintain good health.

The CDC does not recommend that otherwise healthy people wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including the new coronavirus. Only wear a mask if a healthcare provider instructs you to do so, the Department of Health said. Those with symptoms are asked to wear a mask to help prevent spreading the disease to others.

Coronavirus in Rhode Island and Beyond:

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