Amid National Fear, Rhode Island's Coronavirus Risk Remains Low

PROVIDENCE, RI — Amid national concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus, the Rhode Island Department of Health is continuing to "take extensive preparedness measures locally," drafting preparedness plans and communicating with other state agencies, schools, healthcare providers and healthcare facilities.

Right now, Rhode Islanders should not be overly concerned about contracting the disease, said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the department's director of health.

"We are not seeing widespread community transmission of the virus in the United States. The risk level for Rhode Islanders right now remains low," Dr. Alexander-Scott said. "However, this is an evolving situation. For that reason, we have been taking extensive, comprehensive preparedness steps for several weeks and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future."

While there have not been any confirmed cases in Rhode Island so far, it's possible that there could be one in "the near future," the department said. Following federal guidelines, the department is asking anyone who has been in China in the past 14 days self-monitor for symptoms for an additional 14 days and avoid going to work, school or public places during that time. After that time, there is no longer a concern about the person becoming ill or spreading the virus.

The federal monitoring program has been in place since Feb. 3. All flights from China are being routed through 11 U.S. airports for screening. The department of health is notified of any passengers that are heading to Rhode Island so they can coordinate the self-monitoring guidelines.

"People are not traveling to Rhode Island from China if they are coming from the area where the outbreak is centered, and they are not coming to Rhode Island from China if they have symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019," Dr. Alexander-Scott said. "Many of the travelers from China are not of Chinese origin. They are international business people. It is important that we all remember that someone’s race or ethnicity is not a risk factor for Coronavirus Disease 2019."

The virus is spread through respiratory droplets, or the same way as the flu and other common viruses. Rhode Islanders are encouraged to continue to take the same safety precautions as they normally would during the flu season, which includes getting a flu shot, washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not recommended that healthy people wear a facemask to protect themselves from the disease.

Lifespan has also take preventative steps, creating a team to monitor the developing situation. Signs have been placed in hospitals, labs and doctor's offices with information about self-monitoring and reminders to take steps to prevent the spread of disease, such as those listed above. Additional protective equipment has been ordered for healthcare workers in case it is needed at a later time.