Nation's First COVID-19 Test-To-Treat Site Coming To Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island is opening a first-of-its-kind federal COVID-19 testing site that will offer free, immediate, onsite treatment and prescriptions to those who get a positive result, WJAR reported.

The pilot site will be located at Clínica Esparanza/Hope Clinic in Olneyville to serve the population of Rhode Island at highest risk. Those who test positive will meet with a medical provider onsite and may be prescribed Paxlovid, one of the most effective COVID-19 treatments on the market, according to the White House.

"With today's announcement, Rhode Island continues to be a leader in addressing COVID-19," said Governor McKee in a press conference Thursday. "Our first-in-the-nation Test-to-Treat model will provide critical COVID-19 treatment for Rhode Islanders who test positive in an easy and convenient way."

The volunteer-run clinic will also offer vaccines and boosters, making it a true one-stop shop for COVID-19 treatment and prevention. All the site's services will be free of charge, regardless of a person's insurance status.

Paxlovid was authorized for emergency use by the FDA. It's said to cut hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 by 90% if taken within the first five days of symptoms.

"We thank the Biden Administration, the Rhode Island Department of Health, RI EMA and the State of Rhode Island for their willingness to focus on one of the hardest hit communities for this critically important Test-to-Treat effort," Anne Searls De Groot MD, Executive Director at Clínica Esperanza, said. "Making Test-to-Treat available to our community will save lives."