EDITORIAL: A Tip of the Mask to Mayor Diossa for Demonstrating Leadership in Combating the Virus

EDITORIAL: A Tip of the Mask to Mayor Diossa for Demonstrating Leadership in Combating the Virus

While Rhode Island's legislature is MIA, most mayors are silent, and Governor Gina Raimondo’s leadership has been bafflingly confusing in fighting the coronavirus, Central Falls Mayor James Diossa has stepped up and done what may be unpopular with some -- but what is right.

His decision to close restaurants to indoor dining is one critical step in the effort to slow the spread of the virus.

Central Falls is suffering from the highest number of cases per capita in the state — over 700 cases per 100,000 residents, but 18 of the state's 39 cities and towns are running twice the state’s alert level of 100 cases per 100,000 residents — see the full list below.

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As it is, former RI Director of Health Dr. Michael Fine says the Raimondo administration’s 100 level is far too high — it allows far much disease to be prevalent.

Fine says the action level should be 2 new cases per day or 14 per week — a standard consistent with much of Asia and those countries like New Zealand who have fought the virus and won. Rhode Island's lowest level of infection was in early July when just 20 new cases were reported.

In Rhode Island and across the United States, we have denied, ducked and run from the responsibility of making difficult decisions.

Diossa is stepping up and leading while offering help with guiding the impacted business to financial support resources at the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.

His decision will slow the spread of the virus and help save lives - it is that simple.