COVID-19

Covid-19 is a disease caused by the corona virus that is spreading throughout the United States. It has been officially deemed a pandemic.  It is a respiratory virus and is contagious and potentially fatal.  It is believed to be spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Governor Raimondo has declared a state of emergency in Rhode Island because of the spread of Covid-19.

Vaccination Ambassadors 

Laborers’ Local 271 members serve as vaccination ambassadors assisting  with traffic control and ensuring tens of thousands of residents are safely brought in and out of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center to safely receive their  COVID-19 Vaccination.  

Laborers’ Local Union 271 Assemble Thousands of COVID-19 Test Kits  for the State of Rhode Island 

Transportation to Vaccinations  – In-Home Vaccinations

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If you or a loved one is in need of transportation for a COVID-19 Vaccination or is homebound and requires the vaccination be administered at home,  please find the pertinent  RI Dept. of Health info below. 


Español: http://bit.ly/homeboundvax-es
Português: http://bit.ly/homeboundvax-pt


Individuals are encouraged to make every effort to safely attend COVID-19 vaccination opportunities outside the home. Individuals who are Medicaid members or over the age of 60 may request transportation to a vaccination opportunity through MTM, online at…

https://www.mtm-inc.net/mtm-link/ 

…or by phone 1-855-330-9131 (TTY: 711), at least 48 hours before the vaccination appointment.

For additional information on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination in Rhode Island, please visit https://covid.ri.gov/vaccination, which includes guidance and direction for scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments (outside the home) at vaccination clinics and retail pharmacies.

For assistance with homebound vaccinations, please call 211 or The Point at 401-462-4444.

Symptoms and Testing

Symptoms

  • Mild to severe respiratory illness

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

    Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).  Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

If you develop these emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately.

 Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Trouble breathing

  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

  • New confusion or inability to arouse

  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. (others have experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Testing:  

Testing is now more widely available in RI. for more information you can call your primary doctor or:

RI Department of Health Covid-19 Info line
Phone: 401-222-8022  Every day (weekends included) 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM After hours: Call 211

Email:   RIDOH.COVID19Questions

See also: For more information HealthRI.gov ; CDC.gov or Testing CVS.com



Social Distancing: What You Can Do

Social distancing is the recommended way for Rhode Islanders to protect themselves and others from catching or spreading Covid-19.  Do not leave home unless getting gas, food, medicine or you must go to work. For more information click here…

If you are Working

It is recommended that you follow your employers on-site Covid-19 protocol.  While risk differs depending on the type of work you do, OSHA recommends:

  • Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, frequently

  • If soap & water is not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue and discard the tissue or into your elbow.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a recommended cleaning product.

  • If you are sick, stay home!

Remember your health and safety are a priority. For additional information or If you have questions or concerns about your safety at work click here for more information.

If you are Laid Off, Furloughed or Cannot Work

Congress has passed two major pieces of legislation to address the coronavirus crisis: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). Both laws are intended to provide relief to employers and employees affected by the current crisis. 

The CARES Act created a heavy incentive for every state to (1) expand access to unemployment insurance (UI) benefits; (2) increase the amount of UI payments; (3) extend the duration of UI benefits; and (4) eliminate waiting periods. 

The FFCRA created paid sick leave for employers with less than 500 employees. It is available to all employees, regardless of length of tenure with the employer. The employer would be required to cover 80 hours (full-time employees) or the average of a part-time worker’s hours over a 2-week period. If the Employee is subject to: a public COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation order or a Health care provider has advised employee to self-quarantine.

For information on how this legislation affects unemployment benefits and sick leave click here.

For Information on How to apply for Unemployment at the RI Department of Labor and Training 

click here…