Eleven more cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE — In her daily update on the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic on Thursday, March 19, Gov. Gina Raimondo reported there were 11 new cases of the disease confirmed since the day before, bringing the total in Rhode Island to 44.

Since the first confirmed case in Rhode Island was reported on March 1, state officials have not identified where the infected individuals live. 

Nicole Alexander-Scott, director of the R.I. Department of Health, said while this is a public health emergency and people need as much information as possible, “we also have a responsibility to balance this with the privacy expectations and rights of the patients.” 

That will change, however, as the number of cases rise, allowing for more anonymity, Dr. Alexander-Scott said.

“In the coming days, we will be releasing data at the country level,” she said.

Gov. Raimondo said she’s not planning on ordering a shelter-in-place, which would require residents to stay in their homes and not leave except for designated exceptions. (A county in Colorado issued a shelter-in-place order Wednesday as a way of mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.)

“That would be truly crushing to our economy.,” the governor said. 

She said Rhode Islanders need to follow the directions they’ve been receiving: avoid crowds, stay in your home if you’re over 60, wash your hands constantly and stay home if you feel sick.

“It’s hard to stay home. It’s difficult to get your work done with the kids home. But we pay now or we pay later, and the price now is much lower,” she said. “We’re working for the best and planning for the worst.”

She also urged people to avoid false rumors they’re reading on social media, such as that some hand sanitizers are good for 48 hours. Get your information from reputable sources, she said.

The state is working hard on acquiring the needed equipment to fight the disease, such as swabs for testing, personal protection equipment (PPE), masks, gowns, ventilators and the like.

“Unfortunately, the federal government’s response to this has been lacking,” said Gov. Raimondo, adding that “it’s on us to scramble to do what we’re doing.”

She’s asking various businesses — textile manufacturers, employers of workers who use masks, dentists with the right type of swabs, medical supply distributors, etc. — to help out. By 3 p.m. on Thursday, the Department of Health website should have a list of the exact supplies the state is seeking, she said.

Price-gouging

Although Rhode Islanders are stepping up to the crisis overall, the governor said it’s unfortunately been bringing out the worst in some others.

The attorney general’s office is well aware of price-gouging, and she urged residents to call that office and speak with its consumer division.

Banks and credit unions across the country are in good shape, said Gov. Raimondo, who urged people to do their business via ATM rather than in person whenever possible.

She also attempted to alleviate fears some have over evictions.

“Obviously, unemployment is skyrocketing; hopefully that is temporary. I want to calm people down a little bit. You’re not going to be evicted, said the governor, noting that the R.I. Supreme Court has shut down its courts until April 17 to any adjudication regarding eviction.

“Even if you’re receiving an eviction notice, don’t worry about it,” she said, before adding that’s not a permanent solution.

Nursing homes

“We know this virus hits the elderly the hardest,” said the governor, explaining why the Department of Health has blocked families from visiting family members in nursing homes. 

“This isn’t a joke,” said the governor, noting that she hasn’t seen her own mother in person since the crisis began. “We’re hearing way too many stories of people sneaking into nursing homes, or going up to a window blowing kisses. I don’t know how else to say it, you’re endangering the lives of your loved ones and anyone in the state of the Rhode Island.”

As for schools switching to online learning next Monday, she reminded students that this isn’t a vacation.

“Students need to get up on time next week; it’s regular school.”