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COVID-19 Information

We're Here to Help

Here at Care New England it is our highest priority to keep our patients, community, and staff safe. We have created this site to provide you with the most up-to-date information and changes happening at Care New England with respect to the coronavirus COVID-19.

We know you might have questions and concerns, please check our frequently asked questions section for more information.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID testing helps to stop the spread of infection. An infected person who knows they have COVID-19 can properly isolate, and anyone who has been exposed to them can quarantine. This breaks the chain of infection.

Guidance on COVID Testing for the General Public
Frequently Asked Questions

Covid-19 Quick Links

Optional Masking


We welcome masking for anyone who chooses to wear a mask. We have different locations with various needs, please be aware that there may be site-specific guidance for masking instructions.

Please wear a mask if you are feeling ill or have any cold symptoms. Masks are available at locations if you do not have one. 

Safer Together

Care New England and affiliated hospitals continue to keep our guard up against COVID-19 and other infections. We participate in the Safer Together program by working with Sodexo along with Mr. Clean Professional, Clorox Health Care, and PURELL to support enhanced safety measures at all times.

Click Here to Learn More

Safer Together Clean2 (2)

 
Content Index

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV)?
“Novel” in this case means “new”. 2019-nCoV is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The name of the disease caused by this virus is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated COVID-19. ( ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.) It is not the same as the usual coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans the US and other countries. Commonly circulating coronaviruses usually cause mild illness, like the common cold. 2019-nCoV is able to cause more severe illness.
How does the virus spread?

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.

Is it easy to catch?
Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with 2019-nCoV and investigations are ongoing. At this time, it appears to be more transmissible than the common influenza, but appears to be contracted in similar ways. While initial reports suggested that those at highest risk were elderly people and those with underlying chronic diseases, as time goes on it appears that while the very young are rarely affected, almost half of cases occur among people under 50.
How can I help protect myself and minimize spread in the community?

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:

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • 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.
Basic guidance for all from the CDC is aimed at your health and the health of our community.
  • 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.
The governor of Rhode Island has issued guidance for state residents which are in place until May 8 which include:
  • 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.
What is the Safer Together Program?
The Safer Together program was created with top trusted cleaning brands to help visitors and patients of healthcare facilities feel confident when returning to hospitals for their important healthcare needs. Brands like Mr Clean Professional, Spic and Span, Comet, Clorox Healthcare and the PURELL® brand have partnered together to create a program with dedicated cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing procedures – this is the Safer Together program.
How is the Safer Together program making Care New England facilities safer?

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?

Let us know here

What areas of the hospital are being cleaned with these products as part of the Safer Together program?
The Safer Together program focuses on public and common/shared areas in the hospital. These areas include lobbies, restrooms, waiting rooms, cafeterias and high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, light switches, countertops, toilets, sinks, and elevator surfaces.
Are the products used in the Safer Together program safe to be used around people, children, and even those considered to be immune-compromised?
Yes, when the hospitals who are a part of the Safer Together program use the products as directed on each product label instructions, products are safe.
How can visitors and patients of the Care New England group be assured the spaces are free from COVID-19 infection and transmission?

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.

What are the specific visitation restrictions for each Care New England hospital?

Learn more about each of the hospital's restrictions: