Coronavirus In RI: Governor Declares State Of Emergency

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island is under a state of emergency as state officials work to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, particularly among older adults. Governor Raimondo announced the measure at a press conference on Monday afternoon. Those who are in quarantine can reach out to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for assistance, thanks to new policy changes.

"We need to take action," Raimondo said. "I want every tool at my disposal."

The governor assured Rhode Islanders that there is no need to panic and there is not yet widespread community transmission of the virus. The main reason she declared the state f emergency, she said, was to have access to the National Guard, if needed, and to make it easier to obtain federal funding.

"I felt it was prudent to declare a state of emergency," the governor continued.

Around the state, additional precautions are being taken at nursing homes, as older people are more likely to be affected by the virus, said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of health at the Rhode Island Department of Health. A person will be stationed at the door of all nursing facilities to screen and talk to all visitors before they enter the building. Anyone who is sick is urged to stay home to protect both patients and healthcare workers.

"Early data show that older adults are twice as likely to experience serious illness from COVID-19, and nursing home residents may be especially vulnerable," she said. "It is absolutely critical that people not enter nursing homes if they are sick or who have recently traveled to a place with widespread community COVID-19 transmission."

In addition, no visitors under 18 will be allowed into nursing homes, and patients will be restricted to only leave facilities for essential reasons such as doctor's appointments. Special exemptions may be granted in the name of a patient's mental and physical health.

"These steps are critical to protect our most vulnerable population," Dr. Alexander-Scott said.

The announcement came the same day that Lifespan banned all visitors from its hospitals in the state, going a step further than the initial restriction put in place last week.

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has taken emergency action to allow those who are in quarantine to receive financial assistance. The measures will allow these people more access to unemployment insurance and temporary disability insurance. The department has waived the seven-day waiting period to receive claims, as well as the same window before a person can qualify for benefits. In addition, those who are under quarantine will not need a medical certification, and can instead simply tell the department themselves. During regular business hours, Rhode Islanders with questions can call 401-462-2020, or email dlt.covid19@dlt.ri.gov at any time.

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Coronavirus in Rhode Island

So far, three people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Rhode Island. The first two, aman in his 40s and a teenage girl, were both part of a trip to Europe, organized by St. Raphael's Academy, in mid-February. The man remains hospitalized and is slowly recovering, Dr. Alexander-Scott said, while the girl had mild symptoms and has since recovered at home.

On Friday, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced the third case, in a woman in her 60s. She developed symptoms after coming in direct contact with someone who had the virus, the department said.

Last week, the department set up a hotline to answer questions Rhode Islanders have about the virus. People with general questions about COVID-19 can visit www.health.ri.gov/covid, write to RIDOH.COVID19Questions@health.ri.gov or call 401-222-8022.

Both the University of Rhode Island and the Community College of Rhode Island have suspended all international travel until further notice. Students and faculty who are already abroad will be brought home, the university said.

Over the weekend, the department once again stressed the importance of everyone in the state taking preventive measures, especially washing hand frequently with warm water and soap. Anyone who is sick is asked to stay home until they are well, and to call their doctor if they are concerned about symptoms, rather than go into the office or a hospital. Most people can recover from the coronavirus at their home, Dr. Alexander-Scott said. Other safety measures 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.
• Masks are not recommended for healthy people to avoid getting the virus. Instead, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asks that people with respiratory symptoms wear a mask to avoid spreading them to others.

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