Lt. Gov. McKee: “I’m Not Satisfied With Current Administration’s Progress” on Vaccinations
GoLocalProv News Team
Lt. Gov. McKee: “I’m Not Satisfied With Current Administration’s Progress” on Vaccinations
This is the first public criticism by McKee of Raimondo's handling more than five weeks after she was was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
"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,” said McKee.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAccording to the Centers for Disease Control the Rhode Island Department of Health has received 228,650 doses and only administered 141,155 — 87,495 have not been used, now a record for the state.
“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. This week, I’ll be reaching out to Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, leaders at Harvard University, and my transition COVID-19 advisors to ensure Rhode Island is prepared to immediately expand its vaccine distribution capacity,” said McKee.
Raimondo's appointment has been held by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).
“Our transition team has already successfully engaged all 39 municipalities in the state’s vaccination planning and enabled EMTs to administer vaccines alongside other medical professionals. Still, we know that Rhode Island has much more work to do to get shots in arms quickly and efficiently," he added.
“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,” he added.