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In accordance with a proclamation from President Joseph Biden, Governor Dan McKee has directed U.S. and Rhode Island flags to be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and buildings.

The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on May 16, 2022 in memory of the 1 million American lives lost to COVID-19 and the loved ones left behind.

“Today, we pause to reflect on a tragic milestone — 1 million American lives have been lost to COVID-19. Susan and I are keeping everyone who has lost a loved one to this virus in our hearts. COVID-19 has challenged us in so many ways, but the American people and the people of Rhode Island have shown great compassion and immense resilience, together. As we honor the memory of those we have lost, let us recommit to protecting ourselves and those around us by getting vaccinated and boosted.”

McKee also asks Rhode Islanders to lower their flags as a sign of respect.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...