URI announces fall plans, asymptomatic testing now available in RI

URI Announces Plans for a Fall 2020 Return to Campuses
“The University of Rhode Island will welcome back students, faculty and staff to our campuses this fall semester. Preparations for our students’ return have been underway to ensure our Rhody community can come back to campus this fall, with each of us playing a role to protect each other’s health and wellness. Our goal is to provide the highest-quality academic experience for our students in a manner that ensures their continued success and fully supports their timely degree completion.”

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI to Provide
$13.8M in Medical Premium Relief
Due to the current reduced demand for healthcare services, BCBSRI has requested approval to issue a 10 percent medical premium credit for two months, or a total of $13.8 million, to its fully insured large group and small group employers, as well as individuals who purchase insurance through BCBSRI or HealthSource RI.

Asymptomatic Testing Available for Close-Contact Workers
As Rhode Island continues to reopen its economy, testing is a key component to the continued success of the #ReopeningRI process. Governor Raimondo recently announced expanded capacity to provide free COVID-19 asymptomatic testing to key groups of Rhode Islanders, including those who are working in close-contact businesses.

Chamber Chat: Heads of Lifespan and Care New England
Discuss Collaboration and Pandemic
Chamber President Laurie White spoke yesterday with the heads of two of the state’s largest healthcare providers. Dr. Timothy J. Babineau, MD, President and CEO of Lifespan, and Dr. James E. Fanale, MD, President and CEO of Care New England, discussed a wide range of issues, including how the two institutions have collaborated to handle the COVID-19 pandemic and the progress of ongoing talks toward further partnership between the two systems.

WPRI: With Demand Still High, RI Distilleries
Continue to Make Hand Sanitizer
Two local distilleries that shifted their production from liquor to hand sanitizer due to the coronavirus pandemic said they’re happy to provide the germ-killing gel for Rhode Islanders who are struggling to find it.

Best Buddies International:
Fairways to Friendship Golf Tournament – August 12
Join with your friends and colleagues for a day of golfing fun benefiting Best Buddies. Golf with Best Buddies as an individual or recruit a foursome. Ticket includes golf, cart, lunch, and post-golf reception! Also: Check Out Best Buddies Rhode Island Friendship Walk – October 4

Thundermist Health Center Offers Free HIV Testing
Thundermist Health Center will offer free HIV testing in recognition of National HIV Testing Day on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Rhode Islanders can walk into any Thundermist location for a free, confidential test.

ProJo: Downtown Providence Offices Adjust as Workers Begin to Return
Just as every aspect of life has changed since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, so has the office. While many employees are still working from home, some have begun to return to their work spaces under new guidance and limitations.