You’re listening to the Westerly Sun’s podcast, where we talk about news, the best local events, new job postings, obituaries, and more.

First, a bit of Rhode Island trivia. Today’s trivia is brought to you by Perennial. Perennial’s new plant-based drink “Daily Gut & Brain” is a blend of easily digestible nutrients crafted for gut and brain health. A convenient mini-meal, Daily Gut & Brain” is available now at the CVS Pharmacy in Wakefield.

Now for some trivia. Did you know that Rhode Island native, Chuck Palumbo is a mechanic, reality television personality and former professional wrestler? He is best known for his WCW and WWF  wrestling appearances in the late-1990s and 2000s, where he held the WCW World Tag Team Championship and WWF World Tag Team Championship. He also hosted the Discovery Channel series Lords of the Car Hoards.

Now, we turn our feature story….

Rhode Island's governor reported the state's first case of the omicron variant of coronavirus in an adult who recently had traveled out of state.

Gov. Dan McKee and state health officials said Saturday that the person is in their 20s, lives in Providence County and recently returned from travel in New York. They completed a primary vaccination series and had no record of a booster shot. Officials are working on contact tracing.

The case was identified through the ongoing genomic surveillance program coordinated by the State Health Laboratories. Officials were expecting cases of omicron, given that the variant has been detected elsewhere in the region.

McKee said in a statement: “Rhode Island is prepared. This is not cause for panic.”

McKee plans to announce a set of actions next week to address the growing number of COVID-19 cases and alleviate pressure on the hospital systems, while keeping schools open for in-person learning and preventing economic disruptions to small businesses.

McKee and the health department encouraged residents to get vaccinated, get a booster shot if they're already vaccinated, get tested and consider wearing a mask in crowded public places.

McKee and state health officials are encouraging residents ages 16 and older to get a booster six months after their first vaccination.

The state has had a high level of transmission since August. A holiday-season spike in cases and hospitalizations has hit even New England, one of the most highly inoculated corners of the country.

Stay up to date on this story and more at westerlysun.com

Today we’re remembering the life of Nora Gray of Pawcatuck.

Nora grew up in New London and attended Chapman Tech. She was married to the love of her life, Jared, for over 50 years, and she spent her life devoted to her family. After her children were grown, she entered the workforce cleaning houses and eventually joining The Westerly Hospital's Housekeeping Department. Nora retired after many years of dedication.

She is survived by seven children, 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a brother Robert.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the special caretakers who sincerely loved and tenderly cared for Nora during her final days: BNA/Beacon Hospice, Cari, Yvonne, and Alicia.

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Nora’s life.

That’s it for today, we’ll be back next time with more! Also, remember to check out our sponsor Perennial, Daily Gut & Brain, available at the CVS on Main St. in Wakefield!

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