Rhode Island Aims To Double Coronavirus Testing By Nov. 30

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island conducted approximately 100,000 coronavirus tests over the last week, an unthinkable number just a few months ago but now not enough to keep up with the fast-spreading virus.

Gov. Gina Raimondo on Thursday set an ambitious goal to double testing capacity by the end of the month for the beginning of the two-week statewide "pause" Nov. 30. The pause involves restricting parts of the economy to limit the spread of the virus.

Earlier this week, Rhode Island Department of Health spokesperson Joseph Wendelken said there were high demand for tests and long lines. In response, the department announced the opening of three new test sites in the coming days: McCoy Stadium on Friday for both symptomatic and asymptomatic tests; South Road Elementary School in South Kingstown; and the Stop & Shop in Greenville for asymptomatic tests only. In addition, the test site at Wickford Junction will be expanded.

Raimondo said she knows increasing the state's testing capacity so quickly will be a challenge, but she said state health officials will do everything they can to make it happen. She thanked Rhode Islanders for taking the initiative to get tested, with or without symptoms, and apologized for the inconveniences caused by delays in the system.

In the meantime, Rhode Islanders can do their part to help the testing and contact tracing program by doing the following:

• Don't go to a test site without an appointment. Appointments can be scheduled online.
• When you get an appointment to get tested, arrive on time: not too early or late.
• Once you've gotten your test, check the state's results portal frequently, and self-quarantine immediately if you test positive.
• If you test positive, proactively reach out to your close contacts as soon as possible, so they can self-quarantine and schedule a test.

Correction: The South Road Elementary test site was originally listed as Meadowbrook Waldorf School due to a misstatement by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

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