Leading Democratic Candidates for Gov. Raise Concerns About McKee’s Management of COVID
Friday, December 03, 2021
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has refused to implement any new COVID restrictions despite transmission rate, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths spiking.
During the past two-plus weeks, Rhode Island has seen the greatest increase in cases and hospitalizations in the country and now is reaching numbers not seen since last winter’s deadly surge.
Fellow Democratic candidates for governor are questioning McKee's strategy and leadership.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn November, Rhode Island reported 53 COVID deaths. The lack of controls seems to be allowing the virus to run rampant in Rhode Island.
John Fulton, Ph.D., who was the Chief Health Program Evaluator for the State of Rhode Island, warned that the state has functionally no strategy to stop the spread of the virus.
He made these comments to a group of nearly 200 physicians this week.
"At this point, we're in a situation where we are in sort of epidemic free fall," said Fulton a consultant to RIDOH as an epidemiologist and is a researcher at Brown University.
Foulkes Says McKee Is “Afraid of Criticism”
Democratic candidate Helena Foulkes’ campaign spokesperson Audrey Lucas said, “Sadly, this current governor seems more afraid of criticism from the right than he is of the horrible reality that every day, more Rhode Islanders are being hospitalized due to COVID-19.”
"None of us want to see our loved ones getting sick from this virus. None of us want to see our schools or small businesses close again. This governor’s inability to take swift action is putting at risk Rhode Islanders’ health, our economy, and our ability to give our kids the in-person education we know they need,” said Lucas.
"Unlike Dan McKee, Helena is a leader who will actually follow the advice of public health experts. COVID may be with us for a while longer, but by mandating vaccinations for public-facing employees like state workers, masking up during a surge, and getting tested regularly, we can keep Rhode Islanders safe and ensure our schools and businesses stay open,” added Lucas.
On Thursday, RIDOH reported 903 new COVID cases -- the highest number since January of 2020.
Magaziner Calls for Mandatory Vaccinations for State Workers, Teachers, and School Staff
Seth Magaziner, the State’s General Treasurer, has been critical of many of McKee’s COVID policies.
“I am concerned with the rising number of cases, especially as we enter the holidays season," said Magaziner. "That’s why I implemented the mandatory vaccination policy in my office that has proven effective and advocated for vaccine mandates for state workers, teachers and school employees."
"COVID is still with us and we need every Rhode Islander to do their part- get vaccinated and sign up for your booster as soon as possible,” he added.
Gorbea Call for Daily Updates -- State Needs More Focus
Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea says the governor needs to be more vigilant in leading the state and needs to provide more information to Rhode Islanders.
Gorbea said, "Since the beginning of the pandemic, the most important job our Governor has had is to have a plan based on science and public health, take action, and be honest about the health and safety of Rhode Islanders. Now is no different than March of 2020. Our public safety and local economy are counting on this. The spiraling increase in COVID cases in Rhode Island has to be a top priority for the Governor."
"We know from science that masks can help prevent transmission, vaccination keeps people from getting so ill they are hospitalized or die, and we now have ready access to testing," said Gorbea.
"The worsening crisis requires that Rhode Island's Governor demonstrate leadership by encouraging masks in all indoor public settings, implementing expanded booster shots for everyone, and working with the Biden Administration to get free in-home testing for Rhode Island families. We as a state need an honest read-out of the current situation, with daily infection numbers and a statewide goal that we can all work towards, together, she added.
Candidate Matt Brown did not respond to the request for comment.
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