State-Run COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination Clinics Closing In RI

RHODE ISLAND — After two years of playing a role in managing the coronavirus pandemic, all state-run COVID-19 testing sites and vaccination clinics are set to close Friday, as part of Rhode Island's endemic strategy.

COVID-19 services, like testing and vaccination, are now widely available through multiple accessible channels, similar to how services for other endemic diseases are made available to the public, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Anyone who needs a COVID-19 test or vaccine will have to go to their doctor, pharmacy or a community partner.

"Shifting these resources into our existing public health infrastructure means that COVID-19 is causing fewer disruptions to everyday life, and that ongoing COVID-19 vaccination and testing efforts can be managed by our provider partners who traditionally offer these services to Rhode Islanders," said Interim Director of Health James McDonald. "While this is an important step toward managing COVID-19 as an endemic disease, it is still important to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines for the best protection. Now, you can easily do that at your doctor's office or a pharmacy, just like you would for the flu."

Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced the risk of COVID-19 spread in all five of Rhode Island's counties from "medium" to "low."

The CDC determines community threat levels by using COVID-19 case rates and hospitalization data.

Regardless of the designation of someone’s county, everyone should get tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, state health officials said.