By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

As Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee explained his reluctance to re-impose any indoor mask mandate, despite calls by hospitals, medical groups and others to do so, an emotional woman jumped in to his news conference on Thursday, screaming about fear of losing her job and being subject to emotional abuse.

“The discussion is still ongoing… all issues are currently on the table, and we’re going to do what we believe is in the best interest of the State of Rhode Island, and we’re taking everybody’s opinion into consideration,” said McKee, as he explained why he has not mandated indoor mask-wearing, calling it a staffing issue, not an issue of the infection rate.

A woman who quietly came in to the conference room during the news conference suddenly dashed to the front of the room, coming between reporters and their TV cameras and the governor, with an emotional outburst about domestic and/or emotional abuse.

She wore what appeared to be an identification badge similar to those of a state employee, saying that her name is Mabel Martinez.

The Governor told his security detail and staff to let her speak, and to get more information from her. “We need to follow up. For someone to be emotionally involved like that, we take that, obviously very seriously.”

McKee also announced the appointment of two new top-level staff members at the Rhode Island Commerce Department to deal with housing issues.