The coronavirus is affecting everyone in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and the effort to contain it is straining our medical system, our economy and our everyday lives.
Here's the latest
Rhode Island has confirmed 30 deaths related to the coronavirus, and 1229 cases. Massachusetts has confirmed 356 deaths and 15,202 cases of COVID-19. Thousands have been asked to quarantine themselves as health officials work to contain the outbreak.
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Liquor stores are one of the few thriving sectors of the economy during the coronavirus crisis. They’re considered critical businesses, so they’re allowed to remain open, and that is not expected to change any time soon.
At her daily briefing on Tuesday, the Gov. Gina Raimondo announced three more COVID-19 deaths in Rhode Island, bringing the state’s total to 30. There are now 1,229 confirmed positive cases in the state. And the governor extended multiple restrictions on businesses and gatherings until May 8.
Parks in Providence are closed, as the city tightens restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. “For a lot of us in this neighborhood, this is the little bit of social time and exercise and fresh air that we had for the day,” said West End resident Crystal Thornebrook. “To take that away, it just seems a little arbitrary.”
The commercial fishing industry is seeing a decline in demand during the coronavirus pandemic. Now, as restaurants are learning how to operate in the crisis, fishing industry leaders are hoping to make a comeback.
The loss of smell, or anosmia, is now being recognized by physicians around the globe as one of the telltale signs of COVID-19. But it’s not included in the state Health Department’s screening criteria to be tested.
community Resources
Rhode Island Department of Health
COVID-19 Information Page
Rhode Island Residents: RI Department of Health COVID-19 hotline: 401-222-8022 (if you have general questions about COVID-19). According to the RI Department of Health, people who think they have symptoms should call their healthcare provider. These people should NOT go directly to a healthcare facility without first calling a healthcare provider (unless they are experiencing a medical emergency).
Massachusetts Department of Health
COVID-19 Information Page
Massachusetts Residents: People who have symptoms of respiratory illness and/or fever or if you have come in contact with someone who meets these criteria, you should contact your local board of health, health care provider, or call 2-1-1, a 24-hour state-supported telephone hotline.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
COVID-19 Resource Page
Rhode Island Residents: RI Department of Health COVID-19 hotline: 401-222-8022 (if you have general questions about COVID-19). According to the RI Department of Health, people who think they have symptoms should call their healthcare provider. These people should NOT go directly to a healthcare facility without first calling a healthcare provider (unless they are experiencing a medical emergency).
Testing
Testing is now available to all Rhode Islanders with symptoms of COVID-19. Find out how to get tested through the Department of Health, or by calling your primary care physician.
Mental Health Information
- “Taking Care of Your Emotional Health” from the CDC.
- “Manage Anxiety and Stress” from the CDC.
- “Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak” from the World Health Organization.
Recovery – Virtual AA Meetings
Online list of virtual AA meetings.
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT)
COVID-19 Fact Sheet
If you are unable to work, but your workplace remains open, you may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance. If you are quarantined due to COVID-19, you may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance. If your place of work is closed or your employer tells you that you must stay home, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance.
Help for Businesses
If your business has been affected by COVID-19, please call the RI Commerce Corporation Small Business Hotline: 401-521-4357. Businesses can apply for a loan under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.
Student Loan Relief
The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority is offering relief to borrowers who are experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic by suspending their monthly loan payments for up to two months. Apply for relief here.
Delivery Service
If you’ve been told to quarantine or isolate yourself to prevent the spread of COVID-19, check this list of delivery services, compiled by Rhode Island’s Office of Healthy Aging.
Food Assistance
Find a food pantry near you in Rhode Island or Massachusetts.
Meals for school-aged children
Free “Grab and Go” meals are available in many cities. You can find a list on the RI Department of Health website.
Evictions
The state court system is operating on an emergency basis only; no evictions or adjudications will be processed until May 17, even for people who have received an eviction notice. More information is available from Homes RI.
Utilities
Rhode Island’s Public Utilities Commission is barring state-regulated utilities, including gas, electric, water, and sewer utilities, from shutting any services due to unpaid bills. It’s also requiring utilities to stop sending past-due accounts to collection agencies.
Discounted Internet Access for Distance Learning
Information from Cox Communications about discounted internet access for families with K-12 students.
Telecommuting Support
Microsoft has agreed to provide all Rhode Island businesses the Microsoft Office 365 program for free for the next six months to support telecommuting and remote file sharing.
Restaurants Providing Take-out or Delivery
- Eat Drink RI has compiled a list of restaurants providing take-out or delivery.
- Southern RI Chamber of Commerce has also compiled a list of restaurants providing take-out or delivery.
Have a little extra time on your hands, or are you looking for a way to help out at a time when you may feel a little disengaged or underutilized? Below is a list of nonprofits who have volunteer or other opportunities. Help us grow this list! If you know of a nonprofit you’d like us to include, please email Nancy Wood at nwood@ripr.org.
Providence Animal Rescue League
Information about temporarily fostering a pet.
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Here's What You're Telling Us
My husband is a first responder. The thought that he might bring Covid-19 into our home is a scary one, but the thought of having to socially distance ourselves in our home as a precaution is probably just as scary. How do you switch from a safe space of closeness and intimacy to a space of distance?
I am a full time medical assistant, and up until a few weeks ago I waited tables in Providence nearly full time as well. I have attempted to apply for unemployment insurance, but because I am still a full time employee I cannot collect for the restaurant job. I know I am not the only person that relies upon more than one job to stay afloat.
I live half an hour from my father who is literally on his death bed. I live in Brooklyn, CT and my father lives in Pascoag, RI. I have been visiting my father every other day to help him and cheer him up. Now this new law comes into effect that all out of state must be quarantined for 14 days. So basically, if my father dies he has to die without seeing his sons?
Personal Stories
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