Mixed Opinions: RI Leaders Respond To End Of Mask Mandates

PROVIDENCE, RI — In the wake of Gov. Dan McKee's announcement that Rhode Island will lift its mask requirements, voices across the state have spoken out, both in favor of and against the decision.

On Wednesday, McKee announced that the requirement for indoor mask-wearing or proof vaccination will end on Friday. Mask-wearing in schools will no longer be a statewide requirement as of March 4, leaving the decision up to individual districts.

The state's Hospitality Association applauded the move.

"The hospitality industry continues to work hard to provide guests with the best experience possible, including keeping patrons and staff safe," said Dale Venturini, the organization's president and CEO. "While the state mandates may be dropped, we recognize that business owners may choose to require proof of vaccination and/or mask-wearing in their own businesses and we ask that those decisions are respected."

Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin also applauded the move, calling it "good news for the faith community."

"People are free to come to church and 'to worship the Lord without fear,'" the bishop tweeted, adding that Mass attendees are welcome to continue wearing a mask if they feel more comfortable doing so.

Rep. Blake Filippi, the House minority leader and part of the movement to lift school mask mandates by Feb. 15, said that "the 'keep the mandates' drive is largely about the upcoming democratic primaries."

"The general electorate is overwhelmingly done," Filippi continued.

Several prominent members of the Democratic Party voiced their concerns about the policy, saying the decision was made too quickly.

"Lifting restrictions in two days without a clear plan for how the state will support hospitals struggling with staffing shortages is not responsible," said Helena Foulkes, a candidate for governor. "While we're trending in the right direction, our case rates are still significantly higher than Massachusetts and Connecticut."

Rep. Liana Cassar said that when it comes to students, "our best bet is to listen to pediatricians." She went on to quote a letter from the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics that recommended indoor masking for students, teachers and staff in schools.

Gubernatorial candidate Matt Brown called McKee's decision "totally irresponsible," adding that "it's been just weeks since we had the highest spike in COVID cases of the entire pandemic."