COVID-19: Message to Students

Message to students from Director Alexander-Scott, RI Department of Health:

Dear Students,

We realize this coronavirus talk may sound like it doesn’t affect you, but it does. We need your help to

stop this disease from hurting people across our city and state. The most important thing you can do to

help is to avoid being in groups for the next few weeks, since that is how this disease spreads.

Today in fact, the Governor of Rhode Island actually prohibited gatherings of more than 25 people. She

also prohibited restaurants from serving in-house meals beginning tomorrow. Take out and delivery will

be okay.

We are directing all Rhode Islanders – including students – to avoid doing some of the things everyone

loves to do – going out to eat, going to the mall, playing sports in large crowds, and hanging out in

groups.

As we work to protect all Rhode Islanders, it’s important that you keep in mind the CDC’s guidance

regarding social distancing. This means not getting together with groups of people and staying 6 feet

away from other people whenever possible. This may make the difference between you and your family

— especially anyone over 60, like your grandparents — getting seriously sick or worse.

This moment, right now, is a critical moment for us to contain the coronavirus as much as possible. We

need to do all we can not to overwhelm the healthcare system. I know this is hard – but even if you are

feeling healthy, you must practice social distancing so as to protect the people you love, your neighbors

and your friends.