Third Likely Case Of Coronavirus Identified In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — A third person has been diagnosed with the new coronavirus in Rhode Island, state health officials announced Friday evening. The woman, who is in her 60s, is an employee at Smithfield Avenue Nursery in Pawtucket.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, the woman is at recovering at home with mild symptoms. She was tested after coming into direct, face-to-face contact with one of the two people confirmed to have the virus. The case is considered "presumptive positive" until the diagnosis is confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Everyone who has had direct, face-to-face contact with the woman is being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, following CDC guidelines. Anyone who has had contact with someone who is in quarantine but has not developed any symptoms is at low risk of contracting the virus, health officials said.

The first two cases of COVD-19 in Rhode Island were announced on Sunday. Both were part of a 38-person trip to Italy organized by St. Raphael Academy in February. The first patient, a man in his 40s, was hospitalized and is in stable condition. The second, a teenage student, had mild symptoms and has since recovered, health officials said.

Don't miss updates about the latest coronavirus updates in Rhode Island as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

The new coronavirus is spread through respiratory droplets, the same as the flu and several other seasonal illnesses. For this reason, Rhode Islanders are reminded to take the same precautions they normally would to stay safe: namely washing hand frequently with soap and warm water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Other recommendations 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:

• Amid Coronavirus Concerns, RI School Cancels Trip To Spain
• Blue Cross, Blue Shield RI Waives Fees For Coronavirus Testing
• CVS Waives Testing, Telemedicine Fees For Aetna Members
• 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