Rise in Coronavirus Cases Results in New Restrictions

Early results of an effective COVID-19 vaccine have the world buzzing. The thoughts of eventually returning to a normal life may be closer than we think. Though the vaccine has some hurdles to still meet, including production, distribution, storage, and administering the vaccine, hopes are high.

However, many feel the vaccine may not be widely available well into 2021. And the major concern now is the staggering increase in new cases across the country.

According to the New York Times database, as of November 10th, more than 10,260,600 people in the United States have been infected with the coronavirus and at least 239,500 have died.

With the Fall and flu season beginning and businesses and schools re-opening,  COVID-19 cases are sure to continue to rise at an alarming rate.

New COVID Cases, New Restrictions

Locally, in Massachusetts, there are currently 23,702 active COVID-19 cases, and the 7-day average positivity rata at 2.67%. Rhode Island is also seeing and increase and have reported 38,798 cases to date.

Due to the rapid increase of cases, many states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island have added new restrictions and issued updated stay-at-home advisories that have gone into effect.

MA recently ordered a revised stay-at-home advisory, effective between the hours of 10pm and 5am. The new stay-at-home-advisory includes the following:

  • Only leave home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking emergency medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up take-out food, or receiving deliveries. If you do leave home, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others and wearing a face covering.
  • No in-home gatherings with anybody outside of your household. Indoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 25 people.
  • Wearing face coverings
  • Early closure of businesses.
  • Practice proper hygiene and surface cleaning.
  • Use remote modes of communication instead of visiting friends or family.

Businesses were also included in this new advisory and includes closing at 9:30pm. This includes restaurants, liquor stores, gyms, and movie theaters

In Rhode Island, the restrictions are similar. Businesses can remain open until 10:00pm weekdays, 10:30pm weekends.

Staying Safe – Steps You Can Take

Now, more than ever, it’s important to remember the recommended CDC steps to take to help stay safe and stop the spread of this virus:

  • Wash your hands often
  • Practice social distancing
  • Wear a mask
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces

Taking these steps is critical to preventing the spread of the virus, protecting the lives of you and your loved ones, and preserving our acute care hospital and other health care systems’ capacity.

We’re Here to Help

In these challenging times, the risk of exposure is more prevalent than ever. We offer the following safety service options:

COVID-19 CONSULTING BUNDLE – Written directive/policy on requirements which can be either a corporate policy or a site-specific policy.

COVID-19 TRAINING (INFECTION CONTROL WEBINAR) – We offer Open Enrollment Classes and Private Company Sponsored Classes made available at your convenience.

COVID19 TESTING – We now offer COVID-19 Testing Services For Colleges, Universities, Private Companies, And Public Agencies

If you have concerns about your workforce and coronavirus, please contact us today to learn about steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your employees.