Volume 93/Issue XVIII
THE
March 2nd, 2020
ANCHOR
Rhode Island College’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1928
RIC takes caution as first Rhode Island resident tests positive for coronavirus
Sean Richer
News Editor On March 1 a community member of Saint Raphael Academy is the first Rhode Islander to test positive for the coronavirus.The individual was reported to be in their 40s, and traveled to Italy in mid February on a school trip with the school. The individual is in quarantine and being closely monitored. Those who were in contact with this person, including individuals who went on the school trip, are in self-quarantine and Graphic courtesy of the CDC
will not go back to school until March 9. All of these individuals are being monitored by the Center for Disease Control and the Rhode Island Department of Health. Saint Raphael Academy will be closed March 2 and 3 so that the school can be sanitized. “In this situation, the risk is low even for those who have travelled with the infected person,” a notification on the school’s website says. “Only travelers who were on the Europe trip are required to be on self-quarantine by the [Rhode Island Department of Health], and they have been contacted.” The case in RI brings the total number of infections in the U.S. to be over 70. The first recorded U.S. death from this disease was in Washington state. Washington has since declared a state of emergency, and the Food and Drug Administration announced that they will be ramping up testing for the virus all across the country. Outbreak reports have led to fears
Graphic couresty of The Verge about a potential outbreak on the RIC campus. Health Services has been monitoring the outbreak saying, “We are closely following the most current information and guidelines regarding this outbreak, including specific guidelines laid out for college campuses across the country according to the Center for Disease Control and the Rhode Island Department of Health.” This combined with an influenza outbreak on campus last week has led Health Services to stress
the importance of washing your hands frequently. Along with practicing good hand hygiene, RIC Health Services recommends coughing or sneezing into a flexed elbow or tissue. Throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands; Don’t share drink containers, utensils or other personal use items; Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has a fever and cough; Do not travel if you are sick. If you have a fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing, seek medical care.
The coronavirus has been prolific since the first reported causes in Wuhan, China in early December. Recently renamed COVID-19 by officials, the virus has been infecting many areas of American’s livelihood, even if it has not reached pandemic status as of now. News of the virus has overtaken practically all forms of media. RIC recently added a banner to the top of their webpage to inform students about the virus spreading, with Continued on page 3
SCG, taking from clubs to give to escrow?
Abigail Nilsson Editor in Chief Budget cuts have been a hot topic around Rhode Island College as student enrollment continues to decline. At the most recent
Inside this week:
Student Community Government meeting, budget cuts were among the first topics addressed by the body. Included in the cost of tuition is the student activities fee, $60 per semester, which is paid by every enrolled student at RIC. The $60 that is paid as a necessary part of your tuition is used to fund just about every organization and club on campus, regardless of if you’re a member of any organizations or par-
ticipate in campus activities. During the SCG meeting on Feb. 26, President Percy announced that he is working with their advisor Dr. Mott to analyze the budget cut process and seek alternative options. Percy stated, “Unfortunately, Programming is excluded [from budget cuts], because they get a set amount [from activity fees]. We are trying to find a way to counteract it.” He noted that of the student activities fees,
News
Opinions
Arts & Entertainment
Sports
Harvey Weinstein convicted pg. 4
The real meaning behind pro-life propaganda pg. 7
Will “Apex” ever reach its apex? pg. 11
Final games for basketball teams pg. 13 & 16
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Student Programming gets $7 for each full-time undergraduate student, and $0.70 per credit for part-time and graduate students. SCG is looking to revise this so they get $6 for each undergraduate student and $0.60 per credit for part-time and graduate students. Continued on page 4 Pictured: SCG President Josh Percy Photo by Grace Kimmell
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