The Rhode Island governor is facing backlash this week after discouraging nonessential activities to curb the spread of the coronavirus just days after being photographed at a wine and paint night.
The photo, taken last Friday by Erica Oliveras, shows Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo sitting at a table in Barnaby’s Public House in Providence without a mask, WLNE reported.
Gina M. Raimondo, Governor of Rhode Island, speaks at an afternoon press conference at the Vets Memorial Auditorium, in Providence, RI on Dec. 3, 2020.
(The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Oliveras told the station the backlash over the photo was disproportionate because Raimondo had only taken off the mask to drink her wine.
Still, others felt Raimondo’s actions were hypocritical, as she tweeted Rhode Islanders four days earlier to “stay at home, except for essential activities, and wear a mask when you’re with people you don’t live with.”
Susan Goodman, a Providence resident, told WLNE that the governor “shouldn’t even be at such an event.”
“You can drink wine at home. I’m an experienced wine drinker Gina, do it at home,” said Goodman.
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However, others felt that the governor had done no harm and that she was actually helping a small business.
The main thing I got out of it is, ‘Wow, she’s here at a small business and she’s supporting,’ Oliveras told the agency. She came in. She supported. She bought wine. She got engaged. ‘
State guidelines allow indoor dining up to 33% of the restaurant’s capacity. Meanwhile, indoor entertainment facilities include movie theaters, bowling centers, and arcades, but will remain closed until December 20.
Businesses such as restaurants, bars, personal services, gyms, and recreational facilities must close at 10 PM on most weekdays and 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
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The governor’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment.