Politics & Government
Incoming RI Governor 'Not Satisfied' With State's Vaccine Rollout
"Speeding up vaccine distribution is my top priority," Lt. Gov. Dan McKee said.
PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island’s incoming governor is not satisfied with the current state of coronavirus vaccine rollout in the state. On Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan McKee said that improving the system will be his top priority once he takes office.
"Like most Rhode Islanders, I am not satisfied with the current administration’s progress on vaccine distribution, especially as we see our neighbors in Connecticut ranked among the top in the nation," McKee said. "Speeding up vaccine distribution is my top priority. When I become Governor, I want to have all the information to be able to hit the ground running on day one."
As part of his ongoing transition effort, McKee said that he plans to reach out to Connecticut Ned Lamont and Harvard University leaders this week "to ensure Rhode Island is prepared to immediately expand its vaccine distribution capacity."
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
McKee went on to say that his transition team already reached out to all 39 cities and towns in the state to discuss vaccine planning and distribution.
"Still, we know that Rhode Island has much more work to do to get shots in arms quickly and efficiently," McKee said. "Throughout this transition, my message to the public has been stay positive and test negative. As Governor, my message to everyone involved in the state’s vaccine distribution effort will be equally as simple: Let’s get shots in arms right now."
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The latest data from the Rhode Island Department of Health shows that a little more than 151,000 doses of the vaccine — including both first and second shots — have been administered so far. This week, the department is set to open two mass vaccination sites in Providence and Cranston, aimed at high-volume distribution.
Coronavirus in Rhode Island: Latest updates
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