Rhode Island to Consolidate Testing Sites - Since McKee Took Office, COVID Testing Has Fallen by 2/3

Rhode Island to Consolidate Testing Sites - Since McKee Took Office, COVID Testing Has Fallen by 2/3

The State of Rhode Island announced Monday that it plans to consolidate coronavirus testing sites.

Since Governor Dan McKee took office, Rhode Island's testing has dropped by two-thirds.

Dr. Michael Fine, Former Director of Health, has repeatedly called on the McKee administration to expand testing.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

At the height of its testing volume in January the State was testing 130,000 people per week; the week of May 28, the state tested 42,000 people. 

Even with these decreases, the State says it "maintains the ability to ramp up capacity if needed."

The announcement Monday comes amid reports that in England, most coronavirus rules will remain in place for another four weeks after the planned 21 June unlocking, government sources have told the BBC.

"Many scientists have called for the reopening to be delayed to enable more people to be vaccinated and receive second doses, amid rising cases of the Delta variant, which was first identified in India," reported the BBC, providing a chart estimating the UK is "on track for a big wave in infections."  

 

Rhode Island in Focus 

By the end of the month, state-run, larger-volume test sites in Rhode Island will be consolidated, with the state maintaining 25 fixed test sites throughout Rhode Island to ensure all residents have access to free COVID-19 testing. Rhode Islanders also have the option to get tested at retail pharmacies and medical offices.

“The Department of Health and all of our local partners made testing a priority early into the pandemic, which made a world of difference,” said McKee. “Please continue to get tested even if you are vaccinated and have symptoms. Testing will continue to be an important way to keep Rhode Islanders safe as more and more Rhode Islanders across age bands get vaccinated and will help RIDOH identify emerging variants in our communities.”

Saturday, June 26, will be the last day of testing at the following sites:

Barrington Shopping Center: 180 County Rd. Barrington, RI 02806
Dorrance Street: 79 Dorrance St. Providence, RI 02903
Park Holm Senior Center: 1 Eisenhower St. Newport, RI 02840
Stop & Shop Newport: 199 JT Connell Hwy Newport, RI 02840
K12 CCRI- Newport: 1 John H. Chafee Blvd. Newport, RI 02840
K12 Pastore Campus: 19 Foster Rd. Cranston, RI 02920
Sunday, June 27, will be the last day of testing at the following sites:
New England Tech-East Greenwich: 1560 Division Rd. East Greenwich, RI 02818
New England Tech-Warwick: 2480 Post Road Warwick, RI 02886
North Providence Mineral Spring: 1967 Mineral Spring Ave. North Providence, RI 02904
Rhode Island Convention Center Parking Garage: 114 West Exchange St. Providence, RI 02903 (walk-up PCR location at the ticket booth on Sabin Street will remain open)
Smithfield VFW: 47 Farnum Pike Smithfield, RI 02917
Stop & Shop Cottage Street-Pawtucket: 368 - 398 Cottage St. Pawtucket, RI 02860
Walnut Hill Plaza: 1500 Diamond Hill Rd. Woonsocket, RI 02895

The State says if you are not fully vaccinated, you should get tested weekly. If you are fully vaccinated, you should get tested if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or you are returning from out-of-state travel. Vaccinated travelers are still encouraged to get a COVID-19 test between five and 10 days after out-of-state travel. 

For a full list of COVID-19 test sites, visit covid.ri.gov/testing.