COVID-19 Information

This virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now is spreading from person-to-person. Most often this happens among close contacts (about 6 feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It’s currently unclear if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Typically, with most respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest), but data suggests that people may be able to spread coronavirus when they have few or NO symptoms. This spread can occur from droplets that one exhales or emits into the atmosphere when breathing or sneezing. This form of transmission is the reason that the CDC now recommends use of non-medical face masks to decrease the spread of the virus from people who have no symptoms.  

It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object, like a table top or packaging container, that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. In general, because of poor survivability of the virus on many surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging. Nevertheless, it is always recommended that you wash your hands after touching surfaces, and that you do so after unpacking and disposing of food packaging.

There is currently no vaccine or medication to prevent COVID-19 infection, though there is a great deal of active research investigating these possibilities. The CDC recommends some basic everyday guidance:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

• Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand-rub frequently.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home as much as possible, and always when you are feeling sick or if you feel you might be coming down with something.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe (More detail on disinfecting surfaces can be found on the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2109-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html.

• A stay-at-home order that all Rhode Islanders should stay home unless getting food, medicine, gas, or go to essential jobs.
• In addition, all gatherings of more than five people are banned. Individuals should be interacting with the same people every day to minimize the risk of spread. This order does not apply to healthcare workers in a workplace setting, public transportation or office buildings. However, people must practice social distancing at all times.

The Safer Together program includes enhanced cleaning, disinfecting & sanitizing protocols to help visitors and patients feel more confident when returning to hospitals. New protocols include enhanced frequency of cleaning, top trusted brands used to clean, disinfect, and sanitize, and increased staffing to clean throughout common areas.

Do these measures make you feel safer?

Hospitals who have adopted the Safer Together program are also encouraged to follow the expert guidance from the CDC to help prevent visitors from transmitting viruses, including SARS-CoV-19. These include proper social distancing, frequent hand washing and/or sanitizing, having employees stay home when ill and self quarantine after exposure to COVID-19, and maintain enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Following these guidelines helps ensure a good defense against transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Learn more about each of the hospital's restrictions:

• Butler Hospital
• Kent Hospital
• Women & Infants Hospital