From DPVA:
ICYMI: DPVA and Virginia Doctor Hold Press Call on the Dangers of Glenn Youngkin’s Reckless Anti-COVID Safety Agenda
Richmond, VA — Today, DPVA Chair Susan Swecker held a virtual press conference with Dr. Lauren Morea to discuss the dangers of Glenn Youngkin’s reckless Republican agenda. With COVID cases and hospitalizations among children rising, the stakes in this election couldn’t be higher: Virginians will be voting on who will lead our commonwealth during the next period of this pandemic.
Terry McAuliffe knows that in order to keep Virginia’s economy strong, schools open, and communities safe, every eligible Virginian must be vaccinated. Meanwhile, Glenn Youngkin has urged Virginians to opt-out of vaccine requirements for “whatever reason” and opposes common sense COVID safety measures the majority of Virginians support. Youngkin’s position mirrors that of his top endorser Donald Trump, who has also amplified vaccine skepticism.
Virginia doctors have already condemned Glenn for advancing this dangerous rhetoric throughout his campaign. Youngkin is also bankrolling and emboldening anti-vaccine extremists who would put Virginians at risk.
See below for key highlights and watch the full conversation here.
DPVA Chair Susan Swecker
“[Glenn Youngkin]’s reckless anti-science agenda is dangerous, and his lack of leadership is disqualifying for someone who wants to be governor of this great commonwealth.”
“In Texas and Florida, where governors are prohibiting schools from following CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, schools have already been forced to close and thousands of children are being quarantined following exposure. This is the model Glenn Youngkin wants to follow if given the chance. The consequences of this extreme agenda would be dire for Virginia and our children.”
“Lives are at stake in this election, and we need a governor who will follow the science and show leadership on this issue — it’s the only way we will put this pandemic behind us and build Virginia back better. That’s why we need Terry McAuliffe, who has a plan to keep Virginia safe, schools open and Virginia open for businesses by embracing science and working tirelessly to get every eligible Virginian vaccinated.”
Dr. Lauren Morea
“We’ve seen disastrous results in states where elected leaders aren’t encouraging vaccines, masks and other precautionary measures that keep the public safe. Prioritizing politics over science has resulted in hundreds of thousands of lives lost, including many children, and it could happen right here in the Commonwealth.”
“It’s sad and scary to say, but we’ve seen that same rhetoric here in Virginia from the Republican candidate for governor.”
“The only way we will keep our children safe and each other safe and get through this pandemic is to get every eligible Virginian vaccinated. We need leaders who will support the measures that will save lives, keep folks out of hospitals, and keep our children safe and in school. Unfortunately, Glenn Youngkin has made it devastatingly clear that he is not that leader.”
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