Coronavirus In Rhode Island Updates: March 12

The situation surrounding the coronavirus in Rhode Island continues to change by the day. At this time, Governor Gina Raimondo and health officials said the top priority remains containment. Anyone who is ill is strongly urged to stay home, and call their doctor if they are concerned about symptoms.

Here's a look at the latest updates from around the state.

4 More RI Colleges Move Online Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College will move to online classes.

Coronavirus: Dunkin' Donuts, Convention Centers Reschedule Events

The move comes after Governor Gina Raimondo called for the cancellation of all events with 250 people or more to contain the coronavirus.

Coronavirus In RI: Changes Made At The State House

Changes have been made in the House and Senate chambers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Rhode Islanders Warned To Be Wary Of Coronavirus Scams

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha warned residents to be wary of price gouging and other scams amid coronavirus fears.

Coronavirus in RI: RIPTA Increases Cleaning In Buses, Terminals

"Keeping our employees and our passengers safe is our top priority," RIPTA's CEO said.

Town Updates

• Coronavirus In RI: Coventry Closes Senior Center, Food Bank
• Coronavirus: Barrington Cancels Public Library Events For 2 Weeks
  
• Coronavirus: North Kingstown To Close Senior Center Operations
  
• Coronavirus: RIIL Makes Tournament Fan Restrictions Official
• Coronavirus: Smithfield Senior Center Programs Canceled
• Coronavirus In RI: Coventry Closes Senior Center, Food Bank
  
• Coronavirus In RI: Programs Canceled In South Kingstown

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All Rhode Islanders are asked to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, namely washing their hands frequently with warm water and soap. Anyone who is ill, even a little bit, is asked to stay home and not attend any events that were not canceled. When in public, residents are asked to keep six feet away from others and always practice good coughing an sneezing etiquette: using a tissue, elbow or shoulder. Other precautions 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.