PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Rhode Island has risen from five to 14, state officials announced Friday.
Gov. Gina Raimondo also announced that public schools will move up April break to next week, visits to nursing homes will be banned and people who have traveled abroad in the last two weeks will have to self-quarantine.
The Democrat said next week’s school recess will allow teachers to develop plans for teaching classes remotely.
Raimondo said she’s asking childcare facilities to remain open, however.
She also said that anyone who is able to work from home next week should do so.
The state has already banned gatherings of 250 people or more.
“The mantra now is be serious,” Raimondo said. “Don’t panic, but take this seriously.”
The latest coronavirus developments in Rhode Island:
NEW CASES
State Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott said the nine additional confirmed cases include three pediatric cases.
She also said all nine people are recovering at home, save for one who is in isolation at a nursing home.
Alexander-Scott said the cases are still under investigation but are tied to at least four different trips to the Caribbean and Europe.
Officials said Friday about 200 people have been tested for the coronavirus in the state to date.
__
STATE LAWMAKERS
The state General Assembly said Friday that all House and Senate sessions, including committee hearings, will be canceled next week.
Legislative leaders said they will also push for the administration to thoroughly clean the State House during the closure.
___
COURTS CLOSE
Federal and municipal courts in Providence were closed Friday until further notice.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge John McConnell, Jr. said all criminal matters and grand jury proceedings will be postponed, unless a defendant’s liberty is at stake.
Municipal Court Chief Judge Frank Caprio said traffic fines can still be paid in person at the Providence Public Safety Complex.
___
CASINOS STAY OPEN
Rhode Island’s two casinos, which generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the state, are staying open.
The Twin River Casino in Lincoln and the Tiverton Casino Hotel have postponed or canceled concerts and other events, but otherwise remain open.
Twin River, which operates the casinos, says both facilities are being aggressively cleaned and more hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed.
___
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Special Olympics Rhode Island is suspending all sport training and competition activities until at least the end of March.
The virus, which causes the disease COVID-19, poses heightened risks for people with intellectual disabilities and the elderly, the organization said in a statement.
Fundraising activities originally scheduled for later this month have been postponed. ___
ABOUT THE VIRUS
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
___
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
