Coronavirus In RI: Raimondo Lays Out 'Radical' Policies

PROVIDENCE, RI — Amid the ever-changing situation surrounding the new coronavirus in Rhode Island, Governor Gina Raimondo laid out "aggressive, radical" policies aimed at keeping residents safe. For the next two weeks, she asked that all events with 250 or more attendees be canceled, to help prevent the spread of the virus.

At this time, there is not widespread community transmission of COVID-19, and five cases have been confirmed. Earlier this week, the governor declared a state of emergency, which she said made more funding and resources available to help with the containment effort. So far, there have been 94 negative tests in the state, and eight are still pending. The first case, a man in his 40s, is improving at the hospital, said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of health at the Rhode Island Department of Health, while all other patients are recovering at home.

"We only have one chance to contain this," Raimondo said. "If we do this now, we'll all be better off in the long run."

Those who will be attending events are asked to stay six feet away from others while in public areas, and to continue to take preventive measures including frequent handwashing. In addition, anyone over the age of 60 is asked to stay away from any public events for the next two weeks. As always, anyone who is sick — even a little — is strongly urged to stay home.

At this time, health officials are not recommending that Rhode Island schools close, and the health department remains in close contact with school districts and superintendents.

Alexander-Scott said that the state has a "unique opportunity" to take action now.

"The one key message that we want to emphasize today, is that the measures that the governor has laid out today are most effect when laid out now, rather than when there is widespread community transmission," she said.

To set an example for employers around the state, the governor has livestreamed all press conference updates, and is asking businesses to allow employees to work from home if possible.

"Let's lead by example," she said.

Both Raimondo and Alexander-Scott thanked Rhode Islanders in self-quarantine for their adherence to the department's guidelines. At this time, approximately 260 people are self-monitoring for symptoms at home for 14 days.

"You have been models of collaboration and cooperation ... the entire state is grateful for your efforts," the director said, adding that hose who have completed their quarantine do not pose a threat to the public.

At pharmacies and other stores around Rhode Island, shelves are bare as resdients rush to buy hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants. Nationwide, there have been reports of price gouging in stores and online, an issue Raimondo said she and Attorney General Peter Neronha have been closely monitoring.

"This is a time to be a good neighbor and a good citizen," she said, adding that any price gouging will not be tolerated in Rhode Island. "At this time, it hasn't been a widespread issue here."

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Around the state, schools, businesses and organizations have taken steps to prevent the spread of disease. Several colleges, Bryant University, Roger Williams University and The University of Rhode Island, have chosen to cancel in-person classes for the near future, and will transition to remote learning. Rhode Island College, The Community College of Rhode Island, Brown University and Johnson and Wales have changed policies as well, postponing large events and canceling planned travel.

Hospitals and nursing homes have severely restricted visitors in an effort to protect both patients and healthcare workers. Lifespan, Care New England and South County Hospital have all changed their visitor policies to reflect the ongoing concerns about the virus.

All Rhode Islanders are asked to continue to take steps to avoid spreading disease. These include:

• Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• 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.

Anyone who feels unwell is asked to call their healthcare provider before going into an office or hospital. Most people will be able to recover from the virus at home, without the need for hospitalization, Alexander-Scott said. The health department set up a hotline for general questions about COVID-19 at 401-222-8022.

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