RI Trump Co-Chair and Candidate for Senate Holds Campaign Event Larger Than Limit and Few Wear Masks
GoLocalProv Political Team
RI Trump Co-Chair and Candidate for Senate Holds Campaign Event Larger Than Limit and Few Wear Masks
Doreen Costa, Co-Chair of President Donald Trump’s campaign in Rhode Island, is running again for office -- this time, for State Senate.
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“Can’t thank everyone enough for coming to the campaign kick-off. The room was at capacity. Thank you, Sonoma for hosting and following all the social distance guidelines. You all are amazing. ❤️” she posted.
In an interview with GoLocal Costa said, “We followed all the rules. It was at a restaurant and the tables were 6 feet apart and we were in compliance.”
According to the state’s Phase II reopening plan, “We’re focused on opening up even more sectors of our economy – while protecting health and safety. • Social gatherings limited to 15 people.”
In addition under Phase II, “Restaurants will be allowed to begin indoor dining at up to 50% capacity and other restrictions.”
Mask wearing or non-wearing has become a political football during the pandemic.
While Rhode Island's cases are now in decline, the United States is seeing a record number of new cases.
The United States now has more than 128,000 deaths and Rhode Island is closing in on 1,000 dead. Globally, this weekend more than 500,000 death was recorded and now, there are more than 10 million cases.
Trump has refused to wear a mask.
Costa is not the first politician to raise a controversy relating to adherence to coronavirus restrictions.
Governor Gina Raimondo did not wear a mask when meeting with protestors at the Rhode Island State House earlier this month, after having chided Rhode Islanders hundreds of times urging and threatening them with fines if they did not wear their masks.
Two days later Raimondo issued an apology for not wearing a mask. She did not address the issue of social distancing.
“The late hours in front of the State House last night were tense and hectic, and in that moment I neglected to put on a mask. That was wrong, it was counter to our public health guidance, and I apologize. I have worked today to track down the names of those I was in contact with so that they can be added to my contact tracing notebook,” Raimondo said.
“If you find yourself in a crowd…you’re doing something wrong,” Raimondo has said repeatedly during her daily coronavirus press briefings.
In campaign photos posted to Facebook only four of the attendees can be seen wearing a mask — and one of those wearing a mask was GOP candidate Barbara Ann Fenton Fung, who had publicly disclosed she had contracted the coronavirus. Fenton Fung is running against Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello for the 15th District House seat.
One of the others who can be seen wearing his mask in some of the photos is Allan Fung, who is the Republican Mayor of Cranston.
“Everyone wore their masks into the restaurant. No one is required to wear their mask once in the restaurant. We 100% followed the rules. The restaurant did a great job,” said Costa, who had a face covering around her neck.
PHOTOS: Costa campaign