Coronavirus In RI: CDC Officials Arrive, 200 People Quarantined

PROVIDENCE, RI — The risk of the widespread transmission of the new coronavirus in Rhode Island remains low, Gov. Gina Raimondo and state Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott said at a press conference Thursday morning. Two coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Rhode Island and about 200 people are self-quarantined and monitoring for symptoms.

"I'm very pleased by the state's response," Raimondo said, adding that five officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention arrived in Rhode Island Wednesday morning to help coordinate the response to the virus.

State officials decided not to declare a state of emergency. Containment remains a top priority and both Raimondo and Alexander-Scott thanked self-quarantining residents for helping to avoid potential spread in Rhode Island.

"Every minute we buy containing this is critical," Raimondo said. "You are the unsung heroes ... It's difficult, I get that."

Those who are in quarantine, which remains voluntary, are asked to stay home from work or school for 14 days and avoid public places. Breaking the quarantine can spread the virus to other members of the community, even if the person does not have any symptoms.

Raimondo urged employers around the state to be flexible for employees asked to stay home and self-monitor for symptoms.

"I'm imploring employers to do the right thing here," she said.

Raimondo added that she is working closely with the state's congressional delegation, union leaders and the Department of Labor and Training to determine what steps can be taken to help employees who are losing wages while in quarantine, such as temporary disability or unemployment insurance.

"I'm very focused on it," she continued.

As part of the ongoing prevention plan, the department has implemented new visitation policies at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities across the state. Under the new guidelines, anyone under the age of 18 or who is ill will not be able to visit patients or staff. Should it become necessary, the department has also made plans to further limit visitation. Posters have been prominently displaced in healthcare facilities explaining the new policy.

Call for help

The Rhode Island Department of Health 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.

Those in quarantine who need assistance, such as a grocery delivery, can also call the hotline for help.

"We are here if you have questions," Alexander-Scott said.

Anyone with respiratory symptoms, however mild, is urged to stay home from work or school. Before going to a doctor's office or other care facility, residents are asked to call their healthcare provider, who will discuss options with the Rhode Island Department of Health.

"If you are concerned about the severity of your symptoms, please reach out," Alexander-Scott said, adding that just because a person has respiratory symptoms does not mean they have COVID-19.

If the department determines a person should be tested for the virus, a plan will be made to make sure they get the care they need. However, officials are doing all they can to keep those who are ill away from hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to keep healthcare workers from having to self-quarantine, and to protect those who are most susceptible to the virus from transmission.

Should I cancel my trip?

The state government is encouraging schools and other large organizations to consider rescheduling or canceling planned trips abroad. This recommendation does not necessarily apply to individuals at this time.

"Right now, we're focused on groups of 30, 40, 50," Raimondo said.

The health department encourages everyone to follow the CDC's updated travel guidelines, which currently recommend that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China, Italy, Iran and South Korea.

Large gatherings should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. For example, Hasbro Children's Hospital will postpone its annual fundraising gala, scheduled to be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center this weekend. The decision was made in close collaboration with the Department of Health and top state officials.

"We felt it would be prudent to postpone, given that more than 500 healthcare workers would all be together in the same room," Raimondo said, reiterating that keeping healthcare workers protected is a top priority.

As for other planned events, organizations are encouraged to reach out to the department for guidance on the best steps forward.

Coronavirus in Rhode Island

The two Rhode Island coronavirus cases were a pair who went on a trip to Italy in February organized by St. Raphael Academy. The first patient, a man in his 40s, remains in the hospital, Alexander-Scott said, and is in stable condition. The second, a teenage student at St. Ray's has recovered and is doing well. A third person, a chaperone in her 30s, tested negative after developing respiratory symptoms. All 38 people on the trip were ordered to self-monitor for symptoms, and the department has reached out to individuals who may have been in contact with them, as well.

The school will remain closed for a second week, school officials announced on Wednesday afternoon. Classes are now expected to resume on March 16.

Achievement First Academy, where the woman who tested negative worked, was closed for two days for cleaning earlier this week.

Prevention

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.

Read more:

• Coronavirus In Rhode Island: Schools Closed, Store Shelves Empty
• St. Raphael School To Remain Closed For Second Week
• Cicilline: CDC Should Notify States Of Returning Travelers
• 3rd Possible Case Of Coronavirus In RI Tests Negative
• Coronavirus In Rhode Island: What To Know
• An Outbreak Of Coronavirus Misinformation: AP Fact Check
• RI Coronavirus: 2nd 'Presumptive' Positive, 3rd Person Tested
• Pawtucket School Says RI Coronavirus Patient Is Community Member
• Cohasset Woman Quarantined For Potential Coronovirus Exposure
• Coventry Schools 'Continuously' Monitoring Coronavirus Updates