March 1: One year since the first COVID-19 case confirmed in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Monday marks one full year since the first case of the coronavirus was found in Rhode Island.

One year ago, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center was still hosting events. Now, it is one of the state’s mass vaccination centers, immunizing thousands of people per day.

Rhode Island’s first case was confirmed by the Department of Health on March 1, 2020. The department said a person in their 40’s caught the virus after recently traveling to Italy.

Fast forward one year, and nearly 126,000 positive cases have been detected in the state. Additionally, 2,502 people have died.

It’s been a challenging year for all, but especially for those on the front lines.

“It’s devastating,” said Yosef Elfangely, a second year resident student in international medicine.

Elfangely told ABC6 nothing could have prepared him for what he has seen in the past year.

One thing is certain, there’s much more hope on the horizon today, than there was a year ago.

A boost of hope came on Sunday after the CDC’s advisory committee voted to approve the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine. This will be the third vaccine available in the United States.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Subcommittee will meet Wednesday to discuss the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and how it will be distributed in Rhode Island.