Someone's risk for COVID-19 is closely tied to their recent travel history, and the travel histories of their immediate contacts — specifically, travel to areas with community transmission of COVID-19 or close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19. Remember that interaction with someone who had contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19 does not pose a risk if that contact is not sick. One of the most important messages for us to remember is that someone’s nationality alone is not a risk factor for COVID-19.
Medical Information
To prevent infection with COVID-19, the CDC recommends frequent handwashing with soap and warm water; coughing and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue; avoid touching mouth, nose, and eyes; and if you are sick, stay at home.more
There are many respiratory illnesses circulating in Rhode Island, such as the flu and the common cold. Having respiratory symptoms does not mean that you have COVID-19. People are at higher risk for COVID-19 if they have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath) AND if they were a contact of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 or have traveled to an area with community transmission.
Someone is considered a contact if they have had direct, face-to-face contact with a person with COVID-19. Testing can only be done on individuals who have symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19. Testing individuals with no symptoms is not recommended by CDC.
Quarantine Information
Who should be quarantined due to high risk for developing COVID-19?
Required: travelers returning from international travel for 14 days after returning
Required: returning from domestic airline travel for 14 days after returning
Required: returning from New York by any form of transportation for 14 days after returning
Close contacts of someone who has symptoms of COVID-19: if someone has symptoms of COVID-19, even if they haven’t been tested, everyone they live with and people who have been in close contact with them while they were sick should quarantine for 14 days.
Separate yourself from other people in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a different room from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
People who think they have COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider. These people should NOT go directly to a healthcare facility without calling a healthcare provider (unless they are experiencing a medical emergency).
General Rhode Island Information and GuidanceRI Info
People with general questions about COVID-19 can call 401-222-8022.
Rhode Island Department of Health