The following info has been provided by Rhode Island Department Of Health (RIDOH). New Insurance Initiatives Announced as Part of COVID-19 Response Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced today that new guidance has been issued to health insurers related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and that HealthSource RI is opening a special enrollment period to allow Rhode […]
Coronavirus Disease
Posted inNews
Myth Busting – COVID-19
One thing is certain about any crisis, particularly a health care issue – like the coronavirus pandemic – is the proliferation of misinformation, denial, under and overestimating the threat. Much of the misinformation is spread by individuals with little or no knowledge of the condition. We’ve had no shortage of misstatements, from government offices to […]
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Coping with Covid-19: What’s Up Newp launches platform to help readers assist each other
What’s Up Newp wants to help Newport County and Rhode Island cope with the COVID-19 situation. The inaugural part of our plan is to serve as a platform to help our readers assist each other. Every day going forward, What’s Up Newp will launch “Coping with Covid”. We will open a new string nightly on […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Rhode Island’s Commerce Secretary providing resources for businesses during coronavirus crisis
As the nation and Rhode Island continue to struggle and make efforts to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s doing so by shutting down major institutions and events, urging people to stay at home, and putting tremendous strain on the nation’s and Rhode Island’s business communities. Stefan Pryor, Rhode Island’s Secretary of Commerce, has reached out […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
RIDOH: Broad measures announced to prevent COVID-19 transmission in Rhode Island
The following information was provided by Rhode Island Department Of Health (RIDOH) today; As Rhode Island continues to respond to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced a set of broad measures today intended to limit or prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Rhode Island. These measures pertain to schools, nursing homes, and […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City announces new measures on mass gatherings
The following was submitted by Tom Shevlin, Communications Officer for the City of Newport. The City of Newport on Friday announced new measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, including stepped up enforcement of large gatherings as State health officials urged municipalities to plan for the worst, but work toward to the best. In a […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Mansions remain open; some events canceled or postponed
The Preservation Society of Newport County issued the following statement today: “The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House are open. At the Newport Mansions, we have implemented CDC-recommended strategies to maintain visitor and staff confidence in our houses. Since we are a museum, all our tours are no-touch experiences, and the spacious buildings and grounds […]
Posted inCity & Government, Opinion
Lt. Governor Dan McKee: Supporting Rhode Island small businesses impacted by coronavirus
Lt. Governor Dan McKee sent the below letter to Governor Gina Raimondo in support of requesting federal loan assistance for Rhode Island small businesses impacted by coronavirus. March 12, 2020 The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo Governor of Rhode Island State House, Room 224 Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Dear Governor Raimondo: As Chair of Rhode Island’s […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport Mayor Bova says city might consider coronavirus restrictions
Newport Mayor Jamie Bova, informed of Providence’s declaration of a state of emergency, said Newport might consider some of the same restrictions that Providence is enacting as the nation continues to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said the city is revoking all event entertainment licenses — for night clubs, concerts, and […]
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Middletown Public Schools: Gaudet student’s COVID-19 test was negative
Update to original story; Original Story A student at Middletown’s Gaudet Middle School is in self-quarantine after being tested for coronavirus. The Middletown School Department sent the following letter via email to parents and staff on Wednesday. This story is developing and will be updated as more information is received.
Posted inCity & Government, News
How does the coronavirus test work? 5 questions answered
Maureen Ferran, Rochester Institute of Technology The U.S. government is fighting to contain and slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Testing is central to these efforts. Molecular biologist and viral researcher Maureen Ferran answers some basic questions about how these diagnostic tests work – and if there are enough to go around. Who gets […]
Posted inCity & Government
Coronavirus control measures aren’t pointless – just slowing down the pandemic could save millions of lives
Matthew McQueen, University of Colorado Boulder Anywhere from 20% to 60% of the adults around the world may be infected with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease COVID-19. That’s the estimate from leading epidemiological experts on communicable disease dynamics. Even the best-case scenario using those numbers means nearly 40,000,000 adults will […]
Posted inCity & Government
North End Urban Plan Public Forum #2 canceled
UPDATE: Out of an abundance of caution and with new guidelines provided by RIDOH and the Governor in mind, NBBJ announced at Newport City Council’s meeting on Wednesday night that their North End Urban Plan Public Forum #2 has been canceled. Newporters are encouraged to give their perspective on their online comment portal. Help Newport create […]
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Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus disease concerns
After receiving further direction from the Governor’s Office and the Rhode Island Department of Health, the City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to cancel this Saturday’s 64th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Original Story After receiving further direction from the Governor’s Office and the Rhode Island Department of Health, the City of Newport has issued a press […]
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RIDOH: New guidance issued for large events in Rhode Island
As a part of on-going efforts to limit or prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Rhode Island, Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), issued updated guidance today regarding large events. This guidance is in line with the latest guidance from the […]
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Potter League For Animals: LoveBash for Animals postponed
Every year we look forward to connecting with our animal loving supporters at the LoveBash for Animals, however given the growing concerns around COVID-19, and with recent recommendations made by Rhode Island Department of Health, the Potter League for Animals has made the difficult decision to postpone the LoveBash for Animals, which was scheduled for […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor Raimondo, RIDOH to provide guidance this afternoon concerning St. Patrick’s Day Parades and other large, organized events
Update – Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus disease concerns Update – City Of Newport: Council expected to vote to cancel Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health plans on offering guidance on upcoming large, organized events to municipalities and organizers this afternoon. That update […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Ben & Jerry’s postpones ‘Free Cone Day’ amid coronavirus disease concerns
Ben & Jerry’s announced this week that they will take a break from their long-standing tradition of “Free Cone Day” due to increasing coronavirus disease concerns in communities around the world. Restaurants all across Rhode Island, the United States, and across the globe annually participate in the popular event. “Free Cone Day is our favorite […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport will not host 64th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14th (Updated)
Update – Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus disease concerns Update – Governor Raimondo, RIDOH to provide guidance this afternoon concerning St. Patrick’s Day Parades and other large, organized events Update – City Of Newport: Council expected to vote to cancel Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade The following was written/provided by Tom Shevlin, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport parade moves ahead, in spite of state recommendation
Update – Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus disease concerns As the state was reporting its fourth and fifth cases of the coronavirus, soon after the governor declared a state of emergency, and while cities and towns across the country were canceling or postponing large celebrations, the Newport City Council voted 4 to […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City Council votes to allow Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade to go on as scheduled
This story was originally published at 10:24 pm on Monday. It has been updated. Update – Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus disease concerns Editor’s Note City Council voted 4 to 3 last night to not pull the parade permit for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in light of the coronavirus outbreak and […]
Posted inCity & Government
COVID-19: CCRI suspends all college-sponsored domestic travel; cancels all events with 100 or more participants
CCRI announced today that they have taken additional steps to help prevent an outbreak of COVID-19 and to mitigate the community spread of the virus: Today: 1. CCRI expanded its travel policy to include suspending all college-sponsored domestic travel (On Saturday, CCRI suspended college-sponsored international travel). 2. CCRI canceled all events with 100 or more participants through […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOH identifies two additional cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
via RIDOH. Two additional cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been identified through testing at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)’s State Health Laboratories. These are Rhode Island’s fourth and fifth cases. These results are considered presumptive positive cases until they are confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor Raimondo Declares State of Emergency in response to coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced in a press conference this afternoon that today she has signed a declaration creating a State of Emergency in Rhode Island, allowing the State to access additional resources to supplement its robust response to COVID-19. In addition, today the Governor, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), and Rhode […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOH: All Rhode Islanders urged to take COVID-19 prevention measures
via RIDOH As the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) continues to prepare for and respond to the international outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Rhode Islanders are being strongly urged to take a number of measures to prevent the spread of viruses. These personal prevention measures are critical complements to the efforts being taken […]