Facing surge in demand, RI opens two more sites for rapid COVID tests, in Bristol and Newport

Jack Perry and Antonia Noori Farzan, The Providence Journal
·3 min read

With long waits for COVID-19 tests as Christmas approaches, the state of Rhode Island opened two new testing centers Wednesday morning.

The new sites are in Bristol, a storefront at 655 Metacom Ave, and Newport, the Newport Wharf, 22 Brown and Howard Wharf.

Both sites are walk-throughs and offer rapid testing only. Rapid tests provide results within minutes but aren't considered as accurate as PCR tests, which take longer to produce results. Appointments are required. To make an appointment, go to the state's website portal.ri.gov. People can also call (401) 222-8022.

The Bristol site is open weekdays from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

More: Here's what you need to know about RI's new COVID-19 vaccination app

The new Newport site is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. weekdays, and weekends from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The sites close at noon on Friday, Christmas Eve, and are closed on Christmas Day.

"State-run COVID-19 test sites are experiencing very high volume," the Health Department says. "PCR test results are taking 3 to 5 days to process. There is no way for RIDOH to expedite your PCR test result. RIDOH is urging all Rhode Islanders to be aware of this longer than normal wait time so you may plan accordingly."

More: RI COVID deaths hit 'heartbreaking milestone' as Gov. Dan McKee tries to combat COVID surge

Gov. Dan McKee had announced on Tuesday night at around 9:30 p.m. that about 1,000 new rapid test appointments had just opened in Newport and Bristol. By 10 a.m. Wednsday, every single of one of that day's slots had been claimed.

Many of those waiting their turn Wednesday morning outside the Newport site were locals who said they were grateful to see the state expand testing on Aquidneck Island. Most were getting tested as a precaution before having family members or friends over in the coming days, or traveling out of town.

Jim Kelly, who’d headed to Thames Street to take care of some last-minute Christmas shopping, spotted the sign for COVID testing and was disappointed to learn that there were no more appointments available that day.

“If I could walk in right now, I’d do it just for the peace of mind,” he said.

The new sites are in addition to the expanded access the state announced Monday. At that time, McKee and the Health Department announced the state was opening a new site for rapid testing in Cranston and expanding access to rapid testing at existing sites.

McKee and the Health Department also announced Monday that the state was delaying plans to close two mass vaccination sites.

The state operates 21 testing sites. Some pharmacies, primary care physicians and respiratory clinics also offer testing. For more information, check the Health Department's website.

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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI opens two more sites for rapid COVID tests, in Bristol and Newport