PROVIDENCE, RI -- After the Rhode Island Department of Health reported that the state’s death toll from COVID-19 surpassed 2,000 people, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:

“This is another sad milestone.  The tragic loss of life is unfathomable and unforgiveable and the grief is immeasurable.  We mourn every one of these individuals who COVID-19 has taken from us and we must redouble efforts to save lives and protect communities.

“So many people have lost loved ones.  It is painful to think about those who were unable to say their last goodbyes.

“Amid so much tragedy, our profound thanks goes out to those who have helped save lives, and those who have done their part to protect family, friends, and neighbors.

“These deaths leave a collective hole in our hearts and our communities.  And we will honor those we lost with faith, perseverance, and resolve.

“We must do a better job when it comes to protecting public health and we will.

“But today we pause to remember and reflect on those we’ve lost and honor the way they lived.  They too will be mightily missed.”