Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
401-222-8022
(Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm) or
RIDOH.COVID19Questions
After hours: Call 211
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and federal public health officials continue to respond to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On March 1, 2020, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced the first presumptive positive COVID-19 case in Rhode Island, involving a person who had traveled to Europe. Later that day, RIDOH announced a second presumptive positive case. Both individuals were on the same European trip. Being informed is an important part of being prepared. Learn more about how to prevent the spread in your community.
Someone's risk for COVID-19 is closely tied to their recent travel history, and the travel histories of their immediate contacts — specifically, travel to areas with community transmission of COVID-19 or close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19. Remember that interaction with someone who had contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19 does not pose a risk if that contact is not sick. One of the most important messages for us to remember is that someone’s nationality alone is not a risk factor for COVID-19.
There are many respiratory illnesses circulating in Rhode Island, such as the flu and the common cold. Having respiratory symptoms does not mean that you have COVID-19. People are at higher risk for COVID-19 if they have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath) AND if they were a contact of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 (or have traveled to country with community transmission). Someone is considered a contact if they have had direct, face-to-face contact with a person with COVID-19. Testing can only be done on individuals who have symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19 and who have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or travel history to a country with ongoing community spread of COVID-19. Testing individuals with no symptoms or history of travel is not recommended by CDC. People who think they have COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider. These people should NOT go directly to a healthcare facility without calling a healthcare provider (unless they are experiencing a medical emergency).
Everyone can help stop the spread of viruses in Rhode Island.
For Public Health Professionals