We have lived through this pandemic for more than 2 years and Rhode Islanders are desperate for progress. The restrictions put in place during COVID-19 have saved lives, but they have also disrupted livelihoods. Some of the most respected scientists and epidemiologists acknowledge that our society needs to accept that COVID will be endemic - that it will be with us for a long time. They also stress the need for prevention and mitigation. We need to phase-out unnecessary restrictions, and strengthen those which are most impactful. Omar will work with his colleagues in Congress - democrats and republicans alike - to find legislative solutions that will help our schools return to normal, and to ensure that nobody needs to choose between earning a living and staying healthy. Omar also intends to promote science literacy and education so that more Rhode Islanders accept the vaccine and protect their communities. Once the youngest kids are vaccine-eligible, the calculus on the current vaccine rules and regulations should change.