RI Shifting To New COVID-19 Test, Vaccine Policies

PROVIDENCE, RI — As Rhode Island starts the shift to a new phase of coronavirus response, changes will be made to state-run vaccine and test sites. By the end of the month, the mass vaccination site at the Rhode Island Convention Center will close, and testing will be focused on people who have symptoms or who are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

The changes come as part of the state's shift from a pandemic strategy to an endemic one, outlined by Gov. Dan McKee earlier this week.

"We're in a much better place than we were last month, a much better place than we were last year," Gov. Dan McKee said Wednesday. "COVID-19 has transitioned to a preventable, treatable disease."

Read more: Rhode Island's COVID Positivity Rate Falls Below 5 Percent

The new approach to testing and vaccines is meant to be adjusted based on current conditions, the Rhode Island Department of Health explained. If another surge hits the state, there is the capacity to scale up to meet demand.

Testing

Starting March 7, state-run COVID-19 testing sites will focus only on testing people who have symptoms or have been identified as a close contact of someone who already tested positive.

Anyone who wants to get a test but doesn't fit one of the requirements can still do so using resources within the community, the department said. Testing is available through most pharmacies, clinics and primary care providers, which are a good option for those who need to get tested before travel. At-home, self-administered test kits are also available online, at pharmacies and through community organizations.

Related: New Hours For RI's State-Run COVID-19 Test Sites

"Focusing testing efforts at Rhode Island’s State-run testing sites on people who are symptomatic and people who are close contacts will ensure that people who are positive and eligible for treatment can be quickly connected to treatment," RIDOH said, citing treatment as one of the reasons for the sharp drop in COVID-19 related hospitalizations.

Vaccination

The vaccination site at the Rhode Island Convention Center will close Saturday. The steep drop in cases and hospitalizations means mass vaccination sites are no longer needed in Rhode Island, the Department of Health said.

Instead, the state will continue to shift its focus to community-based vaccination sites. The state is encouraging faith leaders to join the effort by inviting a physician to speak and answer questions before holding a vaccine clinic after service.

Vaccine clinics are also scheduled for several schools across the state. On Wednesday, the Rhode Island Department of Education urged all districts with student vaccination rates under 20 percent to hold at least one on-site clinic.