Rapid Coronavirus Test Site Coming To Newport

NEWPORT, RI — A rapid coronavirus test site will open in Newport next week. Residents can get their results within 15 minutes, with no appointment necessary.

The site at 21 Brown and Howard Wharf downtown is set to open Tuesday. It will operate Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be run by the Rhode Island Department of Health and the National Guard.

Although appointments are not required, anyone visiting the site is asked to maintain social distancing. Anyone looking to get tested will be given a ticket number and asked to wait 15 to 20 minutes in their car after a nasal swab. Results will be given by number on-site, as well as on the health department's online portal. Those who test positive will be given guidance on self-quarantining and other safety measures.

The new site is part of the department's push to open more test locations in the East Bay.

"City Staff is also coordinating with State health officials to open additional sites in the City’s North End neighborhood," the city said in a statement.