COVID-19 Coronavirus

Message from the Rhode Island Department of Health

As the COVID-19 pandemic shifts to an endemic state, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for partnering with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) COVID-19 Unit over the past two years. We could not have delivered the level of support that we did to Rhode Islanders if it wasn’t for your support and collaboration.  As we continue to monitor our State’s response, RIDOH has shifted its COVID-19 case investigation program to focus on people at highest risk for serious illness and hospitalization. 

  • RIDOH will continue to monitor and respond to outbreaks of concern but will no longer be sending out single positive case notifications to places of employment.
  • RIDOH’s case investigators will continue to directly contact patients who test positive for COVID-19 if they are unvaccinated, are 60 years of age and older, or are 45 years of age and older and are residents of high-density communities. (High-density communities in Rhode Island include all or parts of Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, West Warwick, Woonsocket, Cranston, North Providence, and East Providence.)  
  • Rhode Islanders who test positive for COVID-19 but are not in one of these high-risk groups may not get a call from a RIDOH case investigator but will still get notified by text message.
  • Case interviews will focus on linking cases to treatment and other supports. RIDOH will not be collecting information on close contacts unless people do not feel comfortable notifying their contacts themselves. 

We ask that all Rhode Islanders take personal responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please share the following guidance with your employees.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you can help RIDOH detect outbreaks by ensuring that your positive result is reported to RIDOH.

  • If your positive test result was reported to RIDOH, you can notify your close contacts anonymously through the COVID-19 survey. Go to portal.ri.gov/results, enter your information to view your positive test result, and fill out the COVID-19 survey that is linked there. You can also request support while in isolation and learn about treatment options by filling out the survey.
  • If you tested positive on a self-test, you can report your result to RIDOH by going to portal.ri.gov/s/selftest.

Follow these four steps if you test positive.

  • Stay home and isolate away from others for at least 5 days. On day 6 you can leave isolation if your symptoms are improving and you don’t have a fever. To request support while you are in isolation, call 401-222-8022 or email RIDOH.COVID19Questions@health.ri.gov. After isolation, wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask for 5 more days when around others.
  • Contact your healthcare provider about treatment for COVID-19 if you are eligible.
  • Tell your close contacts (including workplace contacts) you are positive for COVID-19. Close contacts who are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations should monitor for symptoms and get tested 5 days after the last time they were with you. Close contacts who are not up to date should quarantine for 5 days and wear a high-quality mask for an additional 5 days.
  • Get vaccinated and stay up to date with your vaccines once your symptoms go away and you’re fully recovered. This means getting a third dose and/or a booster dose, if you are eligible. People who have had COVID-19 and remain unvaccinated are more likely to get reinfected than those who got vaccinated after they were better.  

For more information, visit covid.ri.gov/whattodo. 

Narragansett Business Owners - Fire and Life Safety

As phase 1 of Rhode Island’s reopening begins and many businesses open to the public after 3 months of closure we want to offer some basic guidance for ensuring that all fire and life safety systems are inspected, functional, and ready for use. If you are planning to open to the public, provide outdoor services, or are just welcoming back staff please take a moment to review the following guidelines to ensure that everyone in your facility is safe and protected:

Small Business Resources

On April 1st, 2020 the Governor announced in a Press Release the State is launching a short-term bridge loan program for restaurants and small businesses.  In addition, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering Coronavirus Relief Options.

PPE Equipment  Businesses - Narragansett Chamber of Commerce

We are happy to be able to directly supply PPE equipment to our member businesses.  To apply for yours now, please click on the form below.  Once you have completed the form, please print out and call the chamber at 401-783-7121 to schedule your pick up appointment at our offices.  It’s important you leave a message with your name and call back number if you are not immediately connected with our staff.

You will need to bring this completed form with you to verify your information before receiving your equipment.

PPE FORM FOR COMPANIES

SCORE RI Resources

Let SCORE Help You with the “Nuts and Bolts” of Reopening your Business In this second ReStart RI seminar, we will provide actionable advice to questions on the “nuts and bolts” of reopening your business.

Each Thursday at 1:00pm, they assemble an expert panel on relevant, practical topics that will help small businesses navigate the reopening.  Join them each week to learn how SCORE RI can help your small business during this dynamic and often confusing time.  This web-based interactive workshop will focus on the thorny issues small businesses are facing in getting restarted. Several experienced professionals will answer your questions live on issues such as:

  • Pre-opening communications and winning back customers
  • Ensuring the health & safety of both employees and customers
  • How to procure required cleaning and safety products
  • Understanding short-term revenue, cost, and cash flow implications

REGISTER FOR THE NEXT WEBINAR HERE

Rhode Island Superior Court COVID-19 Business Recovery Program

Below, you will find information regarding the Rhode Island Superior Court COVID-19 Business Recovery Program, which is designed to assist businesses disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis.

RIDLT Resources

Rhode Islanders who have lost work as a result of COVID-19, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT). The RIDLT has created a COVID-19 specific Fact Sheet, available in both English and Spanish. 

COVID-19 Data Dashboard

RIDOH has published a COVID-19 Data Dashboard that provides up to date data and statistics regarding COVID-19 in Rhode Island. 

Governor’s Email Updates

Sign up to receive email updates from the Governor, and keep up to date on the latest news from Rhode Island’s coronavirus response. 

COVID-19 Self-Checker

RIDOH has developed a COVID-19 Self-Checker, which is an online tool for Rhode Islanders to use to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. .

Narragansett Executive Orders and Declarations

State of Rhode Island Executive Orders

For a full list of State Executive orders, please use the link below

Senior Congregate Meal Program - Boxed Lunch

Narragansett Community Center dining room is open to the public for hot meals. Menu

Cold box lunches are also available for pick up or delivery to those without transportation.    Senior residents of Narragansett, age 60 or older are eligible to receive a daily boxed lunch.    For more information Narragansett residents can contact Karen Flint at the Narragansett Community Center at 401-782-0675 or by email kflint@narragansettri.gov; 

RIDOH Press Releases

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has issued a number of press releases regarding COVID-19 providing helpful information, resources, and updates - including directives from the Governor for all residents. Use the link below to access RIDOH’s most recent press release, and those issued in the last few weeks.  Press Releases

Local & State Resources

The Town is working closely with many local partners and resources at the State level, to monitor the ongoing situation and its impacts locally and throughout the state.  Please be sure to stay up to date on information from the Narragansett School Department, South County Health, and the University of Rhode Island, and visit their websites for information and updates specific to the populations they serve as well.

CDC & RIDOH Online Resources

Rhode Island COVID-19 Sites

Centers for Disease Control Sites

RIDOH Hotline

People with general questions about COVID-19 can call the RIDOH hotline available to the public at (401) 222-8022 (people are being directed to call 211 after hours) or write to RIDOH.COVID19Questions@health.ri.gov.

RIDLT Resources

Rhode Islanders who have lost work as a result of COVID-19, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT). The RIDLT has created a COVID-19 specific Fact Sheet, available in both English and Spanish. 

Symptoms

People of ANY AGE can contract COVID-19. The CDC has advised that reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and even death for confirmed COVID-19 cases, and that the symptoms commonly appear 2-14 days after exposure.  The CDC and RIDOH advise that common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. RIDOH has advised that people who think they have COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider, and should not go directly to a healthcare facility without first calling the healthcare facility (unless they are experiencing a medical emergency).  The CDC and RIDOH have advised that older people and people of any age with severe underlying health conditions or have a compromised immune system seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. RIDOH reminds the public that there are many respiratory illnesses circulating in Rhode Island, such as the flu and the common cold, and that while members of the public should remain vigilant regarding COVID-19, having respiratory symptoms does not mean that you have COVID-19.  CDC Guidance on Symptoms

Personal Prevention

The CDC advises that everyone can help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19, and that everyday preventative actions can help. The CDC recommends social distancing; frequent handwashing with soap and warm water; coughing and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue; avoid touching mouth, nose, and eyes; disinfect commonly touched surfaces; and if you are sick, stay at home. RIDOH is encouraging social distancing such as when greeting people, avoiding handshakes and hugs, and avoiding close personal contact in public - stay at least 6 feet away from other people.  RIDOH is encouraging activities that promote a healthy immune system, such as getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious foods.   CDC Prevention & Treatment

Community Prevention

The CDC has provided guidance on COVID-19 prevention efforts in the community, such as at home and at school, as well as providing guidance for businesses and employers, healthcare settings, and first responders.

Mental Health Resources

It is important to take care of our physical health, but at times like these it is also important to take care of our mental health.  Linked below are resources shared by the CDC and RIDOH with mental health supports and resources.

SBA Disaster Loan Assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced it’s offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Rhode Island small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.  Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

If your business has questions regarding SBA loans and access to capital, please call our Small Business Hotline during business hours at (401) 521-HELP or e-mail info@commerceri.com anytime.

For questions on temporary disability insurance (TDI), unemployment insurance (UI), and other benefits, please review the COVID-19 Workplace Fact Sheet. Requests for assistance can also be made by emailing dlt.covid19@dlt.ri.gov or calling (401) 462-2020.

Important Resources

Federal agency guidelines, social media resources, fraud and scam protection, facts vs. myths, and more can be found here.