Coronavirus: Smithfield Senior Center Programs Canceled

SMITHFIELD, RI —All programs at the Smithfield Senior Center have been suspended until April 1 as part of Smithfield town officials' preventive measures amid the coronavirus pandemic. Events canceled include the Saint Patrick's/Saint Joseph's Day Party and the Smithfield Family Fun Day.

A Smithfield task force consisting of town officials met on March 5 to establish a preparedness response and develop action steps. The task force is scheduled to meet on a weekly basis in response to new guidance from state health officials.

As of Wednesday there were no known or suspected cases of coronavirus in Smithfield.

All town and school maintenance staff are thoroughly cleaning and disinfection frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, railings, countertops, desks, phones, keyboards and bathroom fixtures.

"We understand that it can be disappointing when plans are changed and events are canceled," Smithfield town officials said. "but we appreciate the patience and flexibility of our residents while these efforts are implemented to maintain the health of the Smithfield community. It is important to note that everyone has a role in maintaining a healthy public environment and the town is encouraging all of its residents to take the necessary steps to prevent infection from the coronavirus and other respiratory issues."

(More on the coronavirus can be found in this fact sheet from the CDC.)

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that include the common cold as well as much more serious diseases. The strain that emerged in China in late 2019, now called COVID-19, is related to others that have caused serious outbreaks in recent years, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was on Jan. 21.

The disease, which apparently originated in animals, is now transferring from person to person, although the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Its symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, and many patients develop pneumonia. There is as yet no vaccine against COVID-19 it and no antiviral treatment.

According to the CDC, the best way of preventing the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. To avoid spreading any respiratory illness, the CDC recommends staying at home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched
objects and surfaces.

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