McKee Statement Marking One Year Since the First Case of COVID-19 in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Today, one year after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Rhode Island, Incoming Governor Dan McKee issued the following statement:

“One year ago today, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Rhode Island. Since then, our world has been changed by a public health crisis that has tragically taken the lives of more than 2,500 Rhode Islanders. As we remember those we’ve lost, our hearts go out to their families and loved ones.

Over the past year, despite being confronted by extraordinary hardship, Rhode Islanders did what they’ve always done in times of crisis—they came together to help those in need while never losing hope. I want to thank everyone who did their part to keep Rhode Islanders safe and get us through the darkest days of this pandemic.

With vaccines finally reaching our communities, we can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If we continue to work together and support one another, we will beat COVID-19 and come out of this crisis stronger than we went in.”