Raimondo Gets Weekly Virus Tests, RI Expands Asymptomatic Tests

PROVIDENCE, RI — As Rhode Island starts to see an increase in coronavirus hospitalizations, tests and overall percent positive rate, the state is ramping up its asymptomatic testing effort, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Wednesday. The governor also announced that she will begin getting tested for the virus weekly, at the recommendation of Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health.

To date, Raimondo said she has gotten tested three times, including once after she was a involved in a peaceful protest in June. Along with the recommendation from Alexander-Scott, Raimondo said health officials are suggesting that elected leaders get tested cyclically.

"I'm leading by example," Raimondo said. "It's part of a greater testing effort ... for more asymptomatic testing."

The state will begin mandating testing for certain symptomatic people. While it will be required, the state has no way to make anyone get tested, Raimondo said. No one will be forced to get tested, though she encouraged everyone to comply to help get an idea of how prevalent the virus is in the state.

Raimondo encouraged anyone in a public-facing position, such as members of the clergy, gym employees and salon workers, to get tested more often, even if they don't have any symptoms. Testing is available, free of charge, to these types of workers and to anyone aged 18 to 39. Schedule a test online.

While Rhode Island has been great about identifying and isolating positive cases in people with symptoms, it's much more difficult to pin down asymptomatic carriers, who can pass the virus to others without knowing it. For this reason, it's even more important for Rhode Islanders to always wear a mask and maintain social distancing when with anyone who is outside their immediate household.