R.I. has its first two deaths from coronavirus
Montpelier, Vt. — A look at developments related to the new coronavirus around New England, other than Connecticut:
Vermont
Vermont has reported a total of 211 COVID-19 cases to date and two more deaths on Saturday. The additional deaths bring the state’s total to 12. Half of the cases were in Chittenden County, according to the Health Department, with 18 cases in Windsor County, 15 in Bennington County and 15 in Addison County.
Rhode island
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo ordered all visitors to the state to self quarantine for 14 days and ordered residents to stay at home and nonessential retail businesses to close on Monday until April 13.
The state National Guard was also going door to door in coastal communities telling people from New York to self-quarantine for 14 days. The measure is needed to help control the spread of the new coronavirus because the New York City area is the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S., Raimondo said Friday.
The state reported its first deaths from the virus. One person in their 80s died Friday night, the other person in their 70s died Saturday, the state Department of Health said.
State police on Friday set up a checkpoint where drivers with New York license plates must stop and provide contact information. They were also told to self-quarantine.
Massachusetts
President Donald Trump has approved a disaster declaration for the Commonweath of Massachusetts and ordered federal assistance to help with recovery in areas impacted by COVID-19. The declaration approved on Friday makes federal funding available for crisis counseling for people and for commonwealth, tribal and eligible local governments and some private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, the White House said.
Maine
A Maine funeral home operator announced it’s providing an option for virtual funerals during the pandemic. Hobbs Funeral Home, which has locations in Scarborough and South Portland, will provide an option for video chats so people can say goodbye and grieve from the safety of their homes. Absent will be physical gatherings and hugs. Hobbs Funeral Home Director Jeffrey Inman says that’s just not possible for now.
The number of COVID-19 cases rose to 211 in Maine on Saturday.
New Hampshire
The White Mountain National Forest has closed scores of recreation sites and restrooms as a result of the coronavirus and in order to promote social distancing. It was unclear when they would reopen. At the same time, the Mount Washington Observatory will offer free distance learning programs three times a week in response to the school closures nationwide. Also, the state legislature has extended its closure through May 4 in line with Republican Gov. Chris Sununu’s stay-athome order.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority of people recover.