Fung Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Raimondo in Quarantine After Another Exposure

Fung Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Raimondo in Quarantine After Another Exposure

Outgoing Cranston Mayor Allan Fung announced he has tested positive for the coronavirus and in an abundance of caution his wife, newly elected State Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, will bypass Tuesday’s opening day of the legislature.

Fung said in a statement, “2021 is no less full of surprises it seems.  My last act as Mayor actually ended up being a precautionary COVID test before tonight’s ceremony & while I’m asymptomatic, I tested positive. This is what happens when I try to take a few days off after 12 years!  Seriously though, congratulations to all those sworn in to guide our city, and thanks to former Mayor Traficante for stepping in for me tonight.”

Fenton-Fung who months ago battled the virus announced on Tuesday morning, “Last night, we learned that my husband was positive for COVID-19.  While I was previously ill with the disease and have already gotten one dose of the Moderna vaccine, I did test out of an abundance of caution following my husband's results, and indeed was negative.”

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“Throughout the night, we consulted with my own doctors and the Department of Health, and at the end of the day just used common sense.  Many of my future colleagues aren't 20 years old anymore and have health vulnerabilities.  I would not want to do anything to put their health in danger or make them feel uncomfortable.  As such, I informed Speaker-Elect Shekarchi that I would err on the side of extreme caution and not attend today's inauguration.  He was very supportive, and a separate swearing in will take place at a time and date to be determined,” Fenton-Fung added.

Raimondo Again

And, then there is Governor Gina Raimondo, who is reportedly the leading candidate to be named by as President Joe Biden’s U.S. Secretary of Commerce, whose office announced she was back in quarantine.

“Governor Raimondo was informed that she had a close contact last week who tested positive. She has been in quarantine and has tested negative repeatedly, including earlier today. She will be out of quarantine on Thursday and will continue working from home until that time,” her office said in a statement.

This is Raimondo’s second quarantine. Nearly all of her senior staff staff have tested positive over the past few months including her Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott and her Director of Administration Brett Smiley.

The press conference previously scheduled for Thursday will be moved to Friday at 1 pm.