E. Providence Rep. Amore Supports Vaccinating Teachers In Phase 1

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) expressed his support for including educators in Phase 1 of Rhode Island's vaccine distribution plan in a news release Wednesday.

Amore spoke in favor of an effort by the East Providence School Department and School Committee to have teachers and support staff vaccinated during the first phase of vaccine rollout, said the news release.

“As we continue to grapple with this pandemic, the vaccine has brought hope to so many that returning to our normal way of life is within reach, but in order to accomplish this, we must make the best use of our limited amount of vaccine doses," said Amore in a statement. "It is within this spirit that I am supporting the East Providence School Department and School Committee by urging health officials to include teachers and educational support within the Phase One COVID-19 vaccination plan."

Phase 1 of Rhode Island's vaccine distribution plan currently only includes healthcare workers, first responders, school nurses, vaccination site workers, and residents and employees of long term care facilities.

“The Department of Homeland Security considers educators ‘critical infrastructure workers’ but they have been left out of the vaccination plan," said Amore. "And with so many children returning, or have already returned, to in-person learning, we must protect the health and safety of our educational staff who are so crucial to the healthy development process of our youth."

"I support the East Providence School Department’s efforts by urging the Department of Health to protect these crucial members of our community by adding them to the Phase One vaccination plan – they and our children deserve it," he continued.