RI Health Department To Consolidate Coronavirus Test Sites

CRANSTON, RI — Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have released their plan to consolidate state-run COVID-19 test sites, reflecting a shift in Rhode Island's pandemic response.

According to health officials, the state's testing strategy is has become more targeted and is now focused on bringing COVID-19 testing to the most vulnerable groups of people.

Mobile and pop-up testing has been implemented where needed, including in schools, communities with low vaccination rates, travel destinations, and outbreak centers. By the end of June, larger-volume test sites will be consolidated so that only 25 fixed sites remain, not including testing offered at 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 in a statement. “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.”

Throughout the pandemic, the State has led the nation in COVID-19 testing rates per capita and maintained capacity for large-scale testing. As vaccination rates increase, demand for COVID-19 testing decreases. The state is currently testing around 50,000 people per week, a decrease from the 125,000 people being tested each week back in April.

“The COVID-19 positivity rate in Rhode Island has gone down and vaccination rates are among the highest in the nation,” said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott in a statement. “But the pandemic is not over, and Rhode Islanders need to remain vigilant. COVID-19 testing will continue to be a critical tool in identifying disease and preventing outbreaks.”

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

For a full list of COVID-19 test sites, click here.