Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But like Freddy Kreuger, Covid is back for a midsummer surge. It’s worse out west and in England, but what happens there will spread here before long. So here we go again. You know the drill. Just a cold for most people and almost no risk for […]
Coronavirus Disease
Posted inNews
Here are some key health policies that will and will not change with the COVID-19 public health emergency's end
The public health emergency declared for the coronavirus pandemic expires on May 11. The emergency declaration began in 2020, followed by various other legislative and administrative actions, allowing the federal government to waive or modify rules and expand the health care system’s capacity to provide care and coverage for all Americans during the worst pandemic […]
Posted inNews
Moderna tops 1Q forecasts; vaccine sales plunge as expected
Sales of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine plunged in the first quarter and some expenses soared, but Wall Street expected this and the drugmaker topped expectations. Moderna said Thursday that revenue from its Spikevax vaccine tumbled to $1.83 billion in the quarter from nearly $6 billion a year ago. Rival Pfizer also reported a steep sales drop for […]
Posted inNews
Senators press Moderna CEO on COVID-19 vaccine price hike
By TOM MURPHY AP Health Writer Moderna’s CEO on Wednesday defended a plan to more than quadruple the company’s COVID-19 vaccine price, but he also said the drugmaker will work to ensure patients continue paying nothing at drugstores or clinics. Stephane Bancel told the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions that the drugmaker […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Gov. Healey: COVID-19 public health emergency to end May 11
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Wednesday that the state’s COVID-19 public health emergency will end May 11. The announcement comes ahead of the 45-day notice required by state law, allowing additional time for organizations affected by the change to prepare for the end of the public health emergency, Healey said. The Democrat […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Sliding vaccine sales, new costs, shrink Moderna 4Q profit
By TOM MURPHY AP Health Writer Moderna’s fourth-quarter profit tumbled 70% as COVID-19 vaccine sales fell and the drugmaker caught up on a royalty payment. Heavy research and development costs also weighed on Moderna as the vaccine developer looks to strengthen an income statement currently dominated by its Spikevax coronavirus preventive shots. Moderna said Thursday […]
Posted inCity & Government
All Rhode Island Counties now at ‘Medium’ level for COVID-19 spread
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the COVID-19 community levels for Rhode Island’s counties. All five counties are now at the “medium” level. (Providence County had the “high” designation previously.)
Each week the CDC identifies the COVID-19 community level in every county in the country as “low,” “medium,” or “high” using case rates, data on hospital admissions, and percentage of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. Regardless of the designation of someone’s county, everyone should take certain prevention measures.
– Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses. The Omicron booster doses currently being administered are providing good protection against the dominant variant circulating in Rhode Island.
– Ventilate indoor spaces as well as possible.
– Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
– Follow recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
– Follow the recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
– If you are at high risk of getting very sick, talk with a healthcare provider about additional prevention actions.
Additionally, CDC recommends that people in “medium” counties consider self-testing and masking when around those who are at high risk for getting very sick. The full recommendations by community level from the CDC are available online.
Posted inCity & Government
Four Rhode Island counties now at “medium” level of COVID-19 community spread
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the COVID-19 community levels for Rhode Island’s counties. Four counties – Bristol County, Kent County, Newport County, and Washington County – are now at the “medium” level (Kent County and Newport County decreased from being “high” last week.) Providence County still has the “high” designation. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Federal government to end COVID-19-related SNAP benefit payments
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) announced today that the federal government will end COVID-19-related SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit payments after the February 2023 issuance. Beginning on March 1, 2023, SNAP households will only receive their regular monthly SNAP issuance on the first of each month. DHS will be corresponding directly […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Community Health Centers to receive $2 million for COVID-19 vaccinations
Several Rhode Island community health organizations are set to receive $2,086,664 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase vaccination rates and improve outreach to vulnerable communities. The funding comes from a new $350 million initiative administered by HHS through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that delivers […]
Posted inNews
Counties with the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Counties with the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Counties with the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCity & Government
Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Kerry Anne Seibert
After a tough and challenging battle with cancer, Kerry Anne (Courtenay) Seibert, of Middletown, RI, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2022, with her husband, best friend and soulmate, Kenny, by her side.Happily married, Kerry and Kenny were together for 38 years. Born on November 10, 1956, in Queens, NY, Kerry was the daughter of […]
Posted inNews
How federal COVID-19 educational aid was awarded to every state
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government allocated $274.2 billion to help schools and students recover from the mass disruption in educational operations and development forced by remote learning models and other pandemic-related precautionary measures and methods. Approximately $189.5 billion of these funds were made available in three waves via the Elementary and Secondary School […]
Posted inCity & Government
Counties with the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Low vaccine booster rates are now a key factor in COVID-19 deaths – and racial disparities in booster rates persist
Andrew Stokes, Boston University; Dielle Lundberg, Boston University; Elizabeth Wrigley-Field, University of Minnesota, and Rafeya Raquib, Boston University More than 450 people are dying of COVID-19 in the U.S. each day as of late August 2022. When COVID-19 vaccines first became available, public officials, community organizations and policymakers mobilized to get shots into arms. These […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Moderna sues Pfizer, BioNTech over COVID-19 vaccine patents
By TOM MURPHY AP Health Writer COVID-19 vaccine maker Moderna is suing Pfizer and the German drugmaker BioNTech, accusing its main competitors of copying Moderna’s technology in order to make their own vaccine. Moderna said Friday that Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine Comirnaty infringes on patents Moderna filed several years ago protecting the technology behind its […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
Stacker compiled a list of the counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island using data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and vaccination data from Covid Act Now. Counties are ranked by the highest infection rate per 100,000 residents within the week leading up to August 2, 2022. Cumulative cases […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCity & Government
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCity & Government
Counties with the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Massachusetts
Jellymuffin40 // Wikimedia Commons Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Massachusetts The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including […]
Posted inNews
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Massachusetts
Real Window Creative // Shutterstock Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Massachusetts The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including […]
Posted inNews
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Vermont
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest unemployment rate in Rhode Island
Unemployment rates, while significantly lower than the alarming pandemic peak of 14.7% experienced in April 2020, remain a subject of concern, notably as economic experts bandy around the idea of a potential recession by 2023. The last economic recession—the Great Recession of 2008-2010—sent rates up to 10% as of October 2009. It was not until […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Rhode Island Department of Health announces endemic strategy for COVID-19 vaccination, testing
As part of its “strategy to address COVID-19 as a manageable endemic disease”, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced its plan for the transition of State-supported testing and vaccination to traditional partners and settings for providing COVID-19 services. COVID-19 services, like testing and vaccination, are now widely available through multiple accessible channels, similar to […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCity & Government
CDC updates COVID-19 Community Levels for Rhode Island Counties
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the COVID-19 community levels for Rhode Island’s counties. The one area that had been designated as “high” – Newport County is now considered “medium.” All other areas in Rhode Island – Bristol County, Kent County, Providence County, and Washington County remain at “medium”. Each week the CDC […]
Posted inCOVID-19
COVID-19 anti-viral medication now available at All Stop & Shop Pharmacies in Rhode Island
Stop & Shop today announced that it will now offer the two FDA authorized COVID-19 anti-viral medications, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, at its 14 Rhode Island pharmacies. Paxlovid is available at all Rhode island pharmacies; Molnupiravir is available at select locations. The anti-viral drugs are available at no cost with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. Additionally, […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
US making COVID antiviral drug more available at test sites
By ZEKE MILLER Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Thursday announced more steps to make the antiviral treatment Paxlovid more accessible across the U.S. as it projects COVID-19 infections will continue to spread over the summer travel season. The nation’s first federally backed test-to-treat site is opening Thursday in Rhode Island, providing patients with immediate access […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCity & Government
CDC: COVID-19 Community Levels designated as “high” for four Rhode Island counties
RIDOH continues to promote “7 Tools for Protection Against COVID-19”
Mirroring increases being seen throughout the region and country, the COVID-19 community levels in four Rhode Island counties are now designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as “high” – Bristol County, Kent County, Providence County, and Washington County.
Each week the CDC identifies the COVID-19 community level in every county in the country as “low,” “medium,” or “high” using case rates and data on hospital admissions and percentage of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. In counties designated as “high,” the CDC recommends people wear high-quality masks while in indoor public settings. The full recommendations by community level from the CDC are available online (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html).
Rhode Island has seen increases in cases and hospitalizations over the last several weeks. However, these data are still considerably lower than they have been at prior points in the pandemic. Given the availability of COVID-19 tools and resources in Rhode Island, such as vaccines and treatment, these numbers are not expected to reach the levels of Rhode Island’s January surge.
“With COVID-19 now an endemic disease in Rhode Island, we should expect moderate increases and decreases in our COVID-19 levels over the coming months. However, serious illness from COVID-19 is now largely a preventable, treatable disease because of the tools and resources we have,” said James McDonald, MD, MPH, the Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). “Taking a few simple prevention steps when more COVID-19 is circulating, such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings and getting a booster dose, can help keep you and your loved ones safe.”
When you wear a mask you protect the people around you, and a high-quality mask also provides the wearer with protection. Booster doses significantly increase your protection against COVID-19. If you are boosted, you are 55 times less likely to be hospitalized because of COVID-19.
In addition to these recommendations from CDC by community level, RIDOH has unveiled “7 Tools for Protection Against COVID-19” (see image at: https://health.ri.gov/publications/toolkits/Seven-tools-protection-against-covid-19.pdf). Using a Prevent, Detect, Treat framework, this simple guide will help all Rhode Islanders limit or prevent the spread of COVID-19 at home and in the community.
7 Tools for Protection Against COVID-19
Prevent
• Vaccination – Stay up to date with your vaccines and recommended boosters.
• Ventilation – Outdoor or well-ventilated areas are safest.
• Masking – Wear a high-quality mask in crowded indoor se¬ttings.
Detect
• Symptom screening – Watch for symptoms after travel or large gatherings.
• Testing – Get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed.
Treat
• Isolation – Stay away from others if you test positive.
• Treatment – Ask a healthcare provider about treatment if you test positive.
Detailed data about COVID-19 in Rhode Island is available online (https://ri-department-of-health-covid-19-data-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/). Additional information about booster doses, treatment, and other COVID-19 tools and resources are also available online at https://covid.ri.gov.
Posted inCOVID-19
Massachusetts is the #3 state with the highest child vaccination rates for COVID-19
As of the last week of April 2022, just over 1,100 children in the United States have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For comparison, nearly 1 million adults have died in the same time frame. Lower death and hospitalization rates among people […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Vermont is the #1 state with the highest child vaccination rates for COVID-19
As of the last week of April 2022, just over 1,100 children in the United States have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For comparison, nearly 1 million adults have died in the same time frame. Lower death and hospitalization rates among people […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Rhode Island is the #2 state with the highest child vaccination rates for COVID-19
As of the last week of April 2022, just over 1,100 children in the United States have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For comparison, nearly 1 million adults have died in the same time frame. Lower death and hospitalization rates among people […]
Posted inCOVID-19
A timeline of COVID-19, from outbreak to 1 million dead Americans
More than 1 million Americans have now died from COVID-19, a bleak milestone crossed May 4. (Due to differences in accounting, other trackers still showed the death toll in the U.S. to be slightly under 1 million as of May 13.) To date, COVID-19 has caused more than 6 million deaths globally and infected more […]
Posted inCity & Government
Opinion: After COVID-19, our frontline health care workers deserve extra appreciation and support
Since COVID-19 became a household word, every aspect of our lives as Rhode Islanders has changed. We lost loved ones and friends, our businesses have suffered, we skipped family gatherings, and we’ve missed milestones like graduations and weddings. Through it all, one thing has not changed – the dedication and hard work of our frontline […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Massachusetts
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Vermont
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inNews
Pop-up picnic businesses prove they have staying power
These three female-owned businesses are proving they’re much more than a pandemic trend.
Posted inCOVID-19
History of vaccine mandates in the US
United States Department of Health Education and Welfare/PhotoQuest // Getty Images History of vaccine mandates in the US On Jan. 13, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a COVID-19 vaccine mandate imposing a vaccine-or-test rule for workers in companies exceeding 100 employees to combat the spread of the coronavirus as the nation continues to grapple […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Boston urges masks as battle brews over transit rule
By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press Boston urged people to start wearing masks Thursday and the Biden administration weighed its next legal step in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes court fight over the abrupt end of the national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit. The Boston Public Health Commission […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island is the 6th Safest State during COVID-19 – WalletHub Study
With around 66% of the population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and new cases on a general downward trend since the start of the year, WalletHub today released updated rankings for the Safest States During COVID-19. In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
It’s not over: COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in US
Yet again, the U.S. is trudging into what could be another COVID-19 surge, with cases rising nationally and in most states after a two-month decline. One big unknown? “We don’t know how high that mountain’s gonna grow,” said Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University. No one expects a peak […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inNews
11 bills introduced to help address Rhode Island’s housing crisis
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Rep. June S. Speakman, chairwoman of the Special Legislative Commission to Study the Rhode Island Low and Moderate Income Housing Act, today announced a package of 11 bills to help address the state’s housing crisis. According to a press release from the Rhode Island General Assembly, the bills aim to streamline […]
Posted inNews
Masks will be optional at Newport Public Schools
On Thursday evening, the Newport School Committee voted 7-0 to make masking optional in Newport Public Schools and on school buses. This policy will go into effect today after the Governor’s executive order ends at 5:00 pm. The amended policy is located here. While the Newport Public Schools policy is now optional masking, Newport Public Schools encourages everyone […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee, RIDOH update quarantine recommendations for DHS-licensed early learning programs
As the state continues to implement an endemic COVID-19 management strategy, Governor Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced updated quarantine recommendations for DHS-licensed early learning programs. More from Governor McKee’s Office; These updates incorporate the latest COVID-19 community levels of risk […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Governor McKee to host COVID-19 briefing on Friday, will be focused on updated guidance from the CDC
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a COVID-19 briefing on Friday at 10:30 am at the State House. According to Governor McKee’s office, this briefing will be focused on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rhode Island Department of Health Consultant Medical Director Philip Chan, Senior […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Salve Regina University: Masks now optional inside Salve Regina buildings
Salve Regina University today announced that beginning at 8 am today masks will be optional inside their buildings. Here’s the full email announcement from Salve Regina University; “Dear Salve Regina community,Throughout the course of this pandemic, our campus policies and operations have been carefully aligned with the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations. Late last week, […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
CCRI updates COVID-19 policies, procedures
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) today announced that they will be making changes to their COVID-19 policies in the weeks ahead. In a letter to students and faculty, Alix Ogden, Vice President, Administration and External Affairs at CCRI wrote; “I know we are all watching in hopeful anticipation as the COVID-19 trends statewide […]
Posted inCOVID-19
RIDOH provides updates on the State’s vaccination and testing sites
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) provided the following COVID-19 testing and vaccination updates on Friday. As part of Rhode Island’s, comprehensive plan to transition the management of COVID-19 from a pandemic into an endemic strategy focused on more traditional models of prevention, treatment, and healthcare delivery, updates to the State’s vaccination and testing […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Newport Schools expected to follow state lead and end mandatory masking in schools
Newport schools are expected to follow the state’s lead and end mandatory masking for kids in school, according to School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain. The state’s mandate ends on March 4, and when the Newport School Committee meets next week, Jermain said she anticipates it too will vote to end mandatory masking but give the […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19, News
Governor McKee, RIDOH to host COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday
Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island Department of Health Interim Director Dr. James McDonald, and Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green will host a COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday at 11 am to provide an update on the State’s booster and K-12 vaccination efforts. According to Governor McKee’s office, the following individuals will be present for the briefing; Governor Dan McKeeLt. Governor […]
Posted inNews
What are taxpayers spending for those ‘Free’ Covid Tests? The government won’t say
Christine Spolar February 11, 2022 The four free covid-19 rapid tests President Joe Biden promised in December for every American household have begun arriving in earnest in mailboxes and on doorsteps. A surge of covid infections spurred wide demand for over-the-counter antigen tests during the holidays: Clinics were overwhelmed with people seeking tests and the […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport offering free rapid COVID-19 test kits to community groups
As part of its effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, the City of Newport announced on Wednesday that they will be offering free at-home rapid test kits to any and all local non-profit and neighborhood groups interested in providing at-home kits to the community. From churches and social service providers to neighborhood associations and […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Pandemic-related school closings likely to have far-reaching effects on child well-being
Sandra M. Chafouleas, University of Connecticut A global analysis has found that kids whose schools closed to stop the spread of various waves of the coronavirus lost educational progress and are at increased risk of dropping out of school. As a result, the study says, they will earn less money from work over their lifetimes […]
Posted inCity & Government
Statewide School Mask Mandate to be lifted on March 4, Indoor Masking Mandate will lift on Feb. 11
Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Interim Director Dr. Jim McDonald hosted a COVID-19 briefing at 1:30 pm on Wednesday to provide an update on the State’s masking policies. McKee announced that he will let his executive order regarding indoor vax/mask mandates expire on Friday across Rhode Island. The order requiring students and staff to wear […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Heading into the third year of the pandemic, the US blood supply is at a 10-year low
Anna Nagurney, UMass Amherst The blood supply in the U.S. is now at its lowest level in over a decade. Many of the nation’s blood centers currently have only a one-day supply of some blood types in inventory. This is dangerous because blood transfusions are needed for many surgeries. Blood is also used in the […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Watch: Governor McKee, RIDOH host COVID-19 briefing on February 1
Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Interim Director Dr. James McDonald hosted a COVID-19 briefing today at 2:15 pm.
Posted inCOVID-19, News
United Nurses and Allied Professionals launches campaign urging Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated and boosted
The United Nurses and Allied Professionals, a union representing more than 7,000 nurses and health professionals, today launched a campaign asking Rhode Islanders to consider getting vaccinated and/or boosted if they have not already. The campaign features video interviews with nurses who have worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19, News
500,000 COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Tests to be distributed to cities, towns, and community orgs
Governor Dan McKee today announced that Rhode Island has received and will distribute an additional 500,000 COVID-19 at-home rapid tests, bringing the total tests distributed to 1 million in just over a month. “Our whole of government COVID response team is focused on making it more convenient for Rhode Islanders to get tested when they […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor McKee announces Department of Health Transition Support Team
Governor Dan McKee today announced a team to support the transition at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) while the search continues for a permanent director. On January 13, it was announced that Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott would be resigning as the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “Our Administration has moved quickly to put an experienced […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19, News
Governor McKee, Department of Health will host COVID-19 Briefing on Thursday
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a COVID-19 briefing on Thursday afternoon at 2 pm. Update – January 27: The Governor’s office announced the following on Thursday morning. Governor McKee, Dr. McDonald to Visit At-Home Test Kit Delivery in East Providence, Provide COVID-19 Update Earlier this morning, Governor Dan McKee announced […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Tiverton Public Library to host COVID vaccination clinic on January 29
Tiverton Public Library recently announced that it will host a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccination clinic on Saturday, January 29. The clinic is open 10 am-12 pm for individuals ages 5-11 and 10 am-3 pm for individuals ages 12 and up (boosters available). Pre-registration is required. If you have already received a COVID-19 vaccination, Tiverton Public Library asks […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19
Seven community based COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held across the state on Saturday
Governor Dan McKee’s office and administration today announced the community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, January 15. Community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held Saturday, January 15 in Central Falls, Lincoln, Newport, Warwick, Wakefield, and Cranston. Registration is recommended for these clinics. To register, visit C19VaccineRI.org and click “Upcoming Community Vaccination Clinics.” In addition, the COVID-19 vaccine is available at state […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19
Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Friday
Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at noon on Friday, January 14. We’ll speak to Mayor Napolitano about how COVID is impacting city services, expectations for popular events, including the cherished St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We’ll also speak to the Mayor about budget talks with the school department, progress […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinic to be held at Raytheon on Friday
Governor McKee’s office today announced the community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, January 14. Raytheon in Portsmouth will serve as one of the six community-based clinics, offering the Pfizer vaccine for those 12 and older from 4 pm to 7 pm. Community based COVID-19 vaccination clinics will also be held on Friday in Providence, North Kingstown, […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
FEMA Medical Team will support hospital staffing needs in Rhode Island
Governor Dan McKee today issued the following statement on the announcement by President Joe Biden that Rhode Island has secured and will receive FEMA emergency medical personnel to support hospital staffing needs. “We promised Rhode Islanders that we would pursue every resource to alleviate stress on our hospital system and support critical staffing needs. Yesterday, […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Governor McKee, RI Department of Health hosts COVID-19 briefing; announces new initiatives to support hospital staffing capacity issues
Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH hosted a COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday at 10:30 am at the Rhode Island State House. Expected topics were to include an update on hospital staffing supports and testing and vaccination capacity. Watch the briefing below. Governor McKee’s office issued the following press release […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Yale New Haven medical director believes Omicron wave will pass by March
The Chief Medical Officer for Yale New Haven’s Lawrence & Memorial and Westerly Hospitals said today that he is “hopeful” the latest COVID wave passes by March. Dr. Oliver Mayorga, appearing on WBLQ radio’s Morning Show with Frank Prosnitz, spoke about a wide range of COVID related issues, including hospital staff shortages, any anticipated future […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Pfizer booster doses now available at 5 months after primary series, additional primary dose for certain immunocompromised children
In alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rhode Island is now making Pfizer booster doses available to people who completed a primary series of Pfizer vaccine five months ago. Previously, people who completed a primary series of Pfizer vaccine needed to wait at least six months. The booster interval recommendations for […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Governor McKee, RI Department of Health to host COVID-19 Briefing on Thursday
Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH will hold a COVID-19 briefing at the Monsignor Gadoury Catholic Regional School in Woonsocket on Thursday at 2 pm. Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt, North Smithfield Town Administrator Paul Zwolenski, and Marc R. Pappas, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Director, will also be on hand […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Visitors to Newport Mansions will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination beginning January 3
The Preservation Society of Newport County today announced that it will require all visitors to the Newport Mansions ages 5 and older to provide proof of vaccination against COVID beginning Monday, January 3. Visitors who purchase tickets or memberships onsite will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of purchase. For those already holding […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19
Total COVID-19 fatalities in Rhode Island surpasses 3,000
Governor Dan McKee issued the following statement marking the 3,000th Rhode Island death from COVID-19. “Today, Rhode Island is witnessing a heartbreaking milestone in the State’s ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic: 3,000 Rhode Islanders have lost their lives due to this virus. We’ve lost 3,000 mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, grandparents, friends, and […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
RIDOH: Rapid testing and access to COVID-19 Vaccine expanded in advance of the holidays
In advance of holiday gatherings over the next two weeks, Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that they are expanding access to rapid testing and to COVID-19 booster doses and primary series vaccine. The following information was provided by RIDOH today; Testing A test site will open today […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Indoor masking, proof of vaccination mandates begin in Rhode Island today
Last week, Governor Dan McKee announced several temporary measures to bring additional layers of mitigation during the holidays when more time is spent gathering indoors. The measures, which begin today, fall into three categories and focus on both masking and proof of vaccination. Proof of vaccination includes screenshots or printouts from the State’s vaccine record […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Video: Governor McKee, RIDOH announce actions to address an increase in COVID-19 cases
Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today announced “a comprehensive set of actions to address an increase in COVID-19 cases and alleviate pressure on our hospital system while at the same time keeping schools open for in-person learning and preventing economic disruptions to small businesses”. Press Release Governor McKee’s office released […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Governor McKee, RIDOH to announce ‘Comprehensive Actions’ to address the increase in COVID-19 Cases on Wednesday
Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today announced that they will announce a comprehensive set of actions to address an increase in COVID-19 cases and alleviate pressure on our hospital system while at the same time keeping schools open for in-person learning and preventing economic disruptions to small businesses. The press briefing […]
Posted inCOVID-19, Environment & Health, News
Rhode Island’s first case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant has been identified
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that Rhode Island’s first case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant (variant B.1.1.529) has been identified. The case was identified through the ongoing genomic surveillance program coordinated by RIDOH’s State Health Laboratories. Governor Mckee’s office says in a press release that […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
RIDOH: State transitioning to community located COVID-19 vaccination sites
A press release from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that Rhode Island will be running approximately 100 COVID-19 vaccination clinics in settings such as schools, churches, senior centers, and many other community sites over the next month. RIDOH says that the decision is in response to the public request for COVID-19 vaccination […]
Posted inNews
2022 Newport Winter Festival canceled due to COVID-19 concerns
For the second year in a row, the Newport Winter Festival has been canceled due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. The annual event, which would have been celebrating its 33rd Anniversary in 2022, was scheduled to take place in February. Newport Winter Festival made the announcement on Facebook on Monday, December 6; “Due to concerns over […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Rhode Island nonprofits on the frontline of responding to COVID-19 can apply for $4.5 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funding
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Foundation today announced that nonprofits on the frontlines of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for $4.5 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funding. “Nonprofits have had an immeasurable impact on our communities during this pandemic, and we must make sure they get the support they deserve,” said Governor McKee. […]