R.I. DOH confirms third presumptive positive coronavirus case

Latest case is identified as employee of Smithfield Avenue Nursery School in Pawtucket

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- A woman in her 60s has been identified as the state’s third presumptive positive case of COVID-19, the coronavirus disease.

The Rhode Island Department of Health issued a statement Friday evening that said the woman was an employee of Smithfield Avenue Nursery School in Pawtucket. The department has instructed adults and children who have had direct face-to-face contact with the woman to self-quarantine.

The woman had had face-to-face contact with a confirmed case in New York in February.

A case remains a presumptive positive until confirmed by the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the statement, initial studies have shown that children are not as severely affected by the virus as adults.

The disease has had severe consequences for the elderly and immune-compromised individuals. RIDOH has been in contact with the leaders of nursing homes in the state to recommend policy changes, including:

restricting visiting hours

restrict visits from those younger than 18, or anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms

screen staff for any illness and travel history,

restrict visitors and staff who have traveled internationally in the past 14 days from entering the facility

limiting residents to leave only for medical appointment

The department has stated that risk of infection remains low, outside of those who have had face-to-face contact with a confirmed case, or someone who has traveled to a country with high community infection.

Common sense measures, such as frequent, thorough hand-washing, disinfecting frequently touched areas, and getting ample rest while eating a healthy diet, are considered the best means for the public to prevent further spread of the infection.

©WLNE-TV/ABC 6