August Updates
Hi all,
We wanted to reach out with additional updates regarding the coronavirus outbreak. July saw a troubling increase in COVID infections in the majority of the states with daily cases reaching 68,000 new cases nationwide and over 1,000 new deaths per day. In Rhode Island, daily infections are trending higher as well in the past few weeks (over 100 new cases per day). The Governor announced on July 29 that she is not ready to move us to Phase 4 as planned but we will instead stay in phase 3 until at least Aug 28. Through contact tracing, the DOH identified that large group gatherings (backyard parties, baby showers, pool parties where people are not wearing masks and not social distancing) are responsible for the majority of the new infections. The Governor reduced the size of gatherings from 25 to 15, effective immediately.
As a reminder, travelers from states with a positivity rate of more than 5% (most states outside of the North East at this point) must either have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 of arrival in Rhode Island or must quarantine for 14 days. If they take a test in Rhode Island and test negative, they can then stop quarantining. If you are aware of any travel from family members of your clients or your own family, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make the necessary scheduling changes.
Regarding testing, we wanted to inform you that the Department of Health has set up a separate process for healthcare workers (which you are all considered as such). If you have any reason to believe that you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call the office so we can discuss options with you that are expected to take 2-3 days as opposed to a week or longer with CVS or other options open to the general public.
We ask that you continue to wear masks at all times while on shift with your clients and also practice safe social distancing as much as possible. Frequent and thorough hand hygiene is also very important.
Please call us with any questions.
Take care and be safe!
Cris