4 New England governors warn of virus threat over holidays
"We're New Englanders. We're tough and resilient. Let's prove it now more than ever."
The governors of four New England states are offering a Christmas greeting and plea to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
Maine’s Democratic governor, Janet Mills, joined Republican Govs. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, Chris Sununu of New Hampshire and Phil Scott of Vermont in recording a message posted on social media Wednesday night.
Joined @GovJanetMills @GovPhilScott and @GovChrisSununu to remind everyone to stay vigilant this holiday season.
Remember to mask up, stick with just your household and support local businesses.
We’re New Englanders. We’re tough and resilient. Let’s prove it now more than ever. pic.twitter.com/1ceP4Q5tJ3
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) December 23, 2020
“We know this about the virus, it doesn’t care who you are, where you’re from, whether you’re young or old, rich or poor, Democrat or Republican,” Baker said.
“It’s a threat to all of us,” Scott continued. “That’s why until everyone can get vaccinated, it’s so important to take precautions to protect us all especially right now.”
That means mask wearing, hand washing and “If you’re thinking of having a holiday gathering as usual this year, it also means reconsidering that,” said Mills.
Sununu led the group off with a message all four repeated: “Mask up, and Happy Holidays.”
In other coronavirus developments around New England:
RHODE ISLAND
Five people demanding better COVID-19 protections for state prison inmates have been arrested outside Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo’s home, state police said.
The protesters with the group Code Black RI were arrested outside the Democratic governor’s Providence home on Wednesday night after blocking the roadway.
The group, which says it is made up of medical professionals, health care workers, and trainees, said they were holding a vigil in response to the recent death of an Adult Correctional Institutions inmate who had the coronavirus.
“We mourn the death of an incarcerated person who died from COVID complications last week, and hold vigil for all those still at risk for untimely death at the ACI,” the group said in a statement.
The group wants the state to release as many inmates as possible on parole and into community confinement, especially those who are older and medically vulnerable, while providing safer conditions inside the prison.
A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections told WLNE-TV that the agency is doing everything it can to control the spread of COVID-19.
An email seeking comment was left with the governor’s office.
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