EAST PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is engaging with the East Providence School District over what could possibly be the state’s first documented case of the new Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

(Editor's Note: Due to matters pertaining to personnel confidentiality, at the request of the RIDOH an earlier version of this story has been revised.)

The RIDOH comments on the matter issued Saturday, Feb. 29, are as follows:

The East Providence School Department is actively working with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) to take all necessary steps to help prevent illness in our community. Although there have not been any cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Rhode Island, we want to make sure that our community is prepared.

Rhode Islanders who recently traveled to areas affected by COVID-19 have been self-quarantined, after consultation with RIDOH staff, and are monitoring themselves for symptoms related to the coronavirus. It is important to note that the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to symptoms presented by other viruses and just because someone is ill does not necessarily mean they have contracted COVID-19.

RIDOH is currently working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to test ill people when there are cases of concern and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. To date none of these tests have come back positive for COVID-19.

Although the level of risk for Rhode Islanders is still low and there have been no confirmed cases in our state, everyone can contribute to our preparedness work by taking simple, everyday steps to limit the spread of viruses. Those steps include washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you are sick.

At this time, the CDC does not recommend use of facemasks among the general public. The CDC’s position is that if you are not sick, you should not wear a facemask. The masks should be reserved for those who are sick, so they can prevent further spread of the virus.

Because human coronaviruses are most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, RIDOH recommends the same measures that prevent the spread of flu and other similar viruses.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Explore, understand, and update policies and resources for sick-leave and telework.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (desks, tables, countertops, door handles, railings, etc.).
• Clean the surface first to remove all organic matter. Thorough cleaning with soap and water will remove most microorganisms.
• Use “EPA-approved” cleaners to clean high-touch surfaces and patient care areas.

We can all work collaboratively to share accurate information and to reject potentially harmful myths. Remember that people who returned more than 14 days ago from areas where COVID-19 is active and do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not put others at risk.