St. Raphael School To Remain Closed For Second Week

PAWTUCKET, RI — The Rhode Island school connected with two likely cases of the new coronavirus in the state will remain closed for a second week, school officials said on Wednesday.

Classes are set to begin again at Saint Raphael Academy on March 16.

Initially, the school was closed for a week when officials announced the state’s first two "presumptive" positive cases of the virus. Then Wednesday, school officials said they would extend the closure an additional week. They clarified that the Rhode Island Department of Health did not order the extension.

"Although transmission risk is still low, we prefer to take a conservative approach,” according to a statement posted on the school’s website. "We know that this is unconventional, and we ask for your continued patience and cooperation as we work to safeguard the well-being of the community."

Unlike what happens for a snow day, teachers will continue holding classes online.

The department announced the two “presumptive positive” cases on Sunday. Both went on a 38-person trip to Europe, organized by St. Ray’s, in February. The first, a man in his 40s, is still hospitalized, the Rhode Island Department of Health said, while the second, a teenage girl, has mild symptoms and is recovering at home.

A third woman who was a chaperone on the trip also developed symptoms, but tested negative for COVID-19, the health department said.

“We are very relieved for her and the school community,” school officials said.

To avoid the spread of the virus, which, like the flu, is passed through respiratory droplets, the department is encouraging residents to take the same measures as are generally recommended during cold and flu season. These include:

• Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hand washing is not possible.
• 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.
• 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.

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