UPDATE: No new COVID-19 cases overnight – total cases remain at 20
Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced there were no new reported cases of COVID-19 overnight, while currently 2,300 people remain in quarantine throughout the state
RHODE ISLAND (WLNE) – Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced there were no new reported cases of COVID-19 overnight, while currently, 2,300 people remain in quarantine throughout the state.
She urges all Rhode Islanders to remain at home as much as possible over the next two weeks.
The Governor talked about a very important change today. She has suspended childcare services throughout the state beginning tomorrow, lasting through the remainder of this week.
The social distancing that Rhode Islanders are enduring is working, she said.
For anyone whose work is affected by COVID-19, she asks that you please apply immediately for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). The RI Department of Labor and Training has a special COVID-19 Hotline where workers can apply for special and immediate 14-day benefits. Hotline workers are also available to answer other questions regarding paid sick leave and additional benefits.
When out grocery shopping, the Governor asked that you limit your time while out and to not hoard. She assured Rhode Islanders that food will continue to be delivered to stores.
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RIDOH Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott MD, MPH announced there are 6 additional cases of COVID-19 that have been identified.
These 6 new additional cases consist of 4 males and 2 females all ranging from their 30s to 70s. It has been determined that the 3 of the latest COVID-19 victims had recently traveled. Two separate domestic trips and one trip to Lisbon, Portugal. These cases are still being investigated. All six individuals are recovering at home.
Currently there are a total of 20 positive and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Rhode Island. 57 tests are currently pending and 198 tests have come back negative.
Governor Gina M. Raimondo said, “The primary goal right now is to stop the spread of the virus and to shut the virus down.” “You have to stay home, for your health and the health of everyone around you.”
The governor reiterated that residents, including students who have been released from school for the next two weeks, to stay home. A decision will be made at the end of next week about what to do about opening schools the following week.
State government and health officials are asking everyone to avoid crowds, avoid handshakes and hugs, keep a 6 foot distance of others and to wash your hands regularly. If you are over the age of 60, it is asked that you avoid crowds of 10 people or more.
New guidance was also provided for health insurers which includes:
- Update telemedicine policies to include telephone-only services for primary care and behavioral health providers.
- Ensure testing and screening for COVID-19 can be done without prior authorization and without any cost to the patient.
- Cover prescription refills even if the prescription has yet to run out, provided that the prescription itself would remain valid beyond the refill date. This will allow people to shelter in place, while ensuring that they have adequate supplies on hand for continuity of care and medication compliance.
- Work to remove barriers to access to services related to COVID-19 that may delay necessary care, including requirements for specialist referrals and prior authorizations.
- In the event a federally-approved vaccine becomes available for COVID-19, cover the cost of the immunization for all enrollees.
COVID-19 will continue to evolve, and health insurers should continually assess their readiness, plan for network adequacy challenges, make any necessary adjustments, and keep their providers and subscribers informed.
For additional COVID-19 questions, call the COVID-19 Hotline at 401-222-8022. The Hotline will be staffed this weekend from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday. After hours, everyone is directed to call 211.
©ABC 6/WLNE-TV 2020
