Coronavirus In Rhode Island: What To Know

PROVIDENCE, RI — With two "presumptive positive" cases of the new coronavirus reported in the state and the results of a possible third expected on Monday, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the Director of Health at the Rhode Island Department of Health, said she and other top state officials have been in constant contact to address the evolving situation.

"The COVID-19 situation has been shifting greatly over the past several days," Alexander-Scott said at a press conference on Monday morning.

On Sunday morning, the department announced the state's first "presumptive positive" case of the virus, a man in his mid-40s later identified as part of the St. Raphael's school community. Later that day, a second presumptive case was announced, this time in a teenage student at St. Ray's, as well as the testing of a third adult, a woman who works at Achievement First Academy in Providence. Her test results are expected on Monday and she is currently at home with mild symptoms, the department said.

On Monday, a Cohasset, Massachusetts woman who went on the trip was quarantined due to possible exposure.

Working with Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, the decision was made to close St. Raphael's, a private school in Pawtucket, for the entire week.

"In accordance with RIDOH’s request and in an effort to ensure the well-being of our community, the Academy will be closed for the remainder of the week," the school said in a statement. "Students will be instructed at home through virtual learning. During this time period we are asking our students to continue to follow good health practices and avoid gathering in large groups. Saint Raphael Academy will provide updates as they become available and will continue to keep all members of our community in our prayers."

The decision was also made to keep Achievement First Academy closed for a second day on Tuesday to allow for more time to clean the school, Alexander-Scott said.

The department is in the process of reaching out to anyone who may have been in contact with the three individuals. All three were part of a trip to Europe, organized by St. Ray's, from Feb. 14 to 22. In all, 38 people went on the trip, mostly students. Everyone has been instructed to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days, per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

The first patient received care at a healthcare facility in Rhode Island, Alexander-Scott said on Monday, and he is currently in stable condition. The teenage girl, meanwhile, has mild symptoms that "did not require extensive hospitalization." She is recovering at home and is doing well, the director added.

To avoid community spread of both the new coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses, the Rhode Island Department of Health is encouraging anyone with manageable respiratory symptoms to stay home until they are well.

"Our most important message right now is prevention," Alexander-Scott said. "Being in a home setting is the best way to avoid spread in the community."

If symptoms develop, Rhode Islanders are asked to reach out to their healthcare provider or go to an urgent care clinic rather than immediately turn to an emergency room, as most symptoms can be managed at home and hospital emergency rooms frequently have very long wait times.

In total, the Rhode Island Department of Health has conducted four tests for the virus at the state health laboratory. Samples were also sent to the CDC for confirmation. Rather than test everyone who has any symptoms, the department is following CDC guidelines and only testing certain individuals to ensure there are enough tests to last throughout the long term.

Dr. Alexander-Scott again reiterated the importance for Rhode Islanders to take the same preventative measures otherwise recommended during cold and flu season, as COVID-19 is spread the same way, through respiratory droplets. Most importantly is frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and warm water, or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water in not available. Other recommendations include:

• Get a flu shot, and encourage those around you to do the same.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than a hand or the air.
• Stay home from school or work if sick.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, as germs can spread easily this way.
• 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 Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training reminded Rhode Islanders that, the state's sick and safe leave law ensures that most employees in the state have paid time off if they are ill.

The CDC does not recommend that otherwise healthy people wear a facemask 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.

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