COVID-19 Tests 'Not Essential' In RI Without Exposure, Symptoms

PROVIDENCE, RI — With demand for COVID-19 testing still high in Rhode Island, the director of the state's Department of Health said it is most important to get tested if you've had a direct exposure or are experiencing symptoms of illness.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott said that testing is "not critical" at this time for residents who are do not have symptoms and have not had a direct exposure to a positive COVID-19 case. Anyone who thinks they have COVID-19 for one of these reasons should get tested, however.

During his COVID-19 news conference Wednesday, Gov. Dan McKee said improvements in testing turnaround and availability have been made over the past few weeks. The average turnaround for a PCR test is currently a little more than 48 hours, he said, down from the three to five days experienced during the highest holiday demand. The state is working to bring that timeframe even lower, he said.

Last week, Rhode Island conducted 175,000 coronavirus tests, or about 17 percent of the state's population, the governor said. Rhode Island is far and away the national leader when it comes to testing, McKee said, conducting twice as many tests as the number two state per capita, and four times as many tests per capita as next-door neighbor Massachusetts.

The state just received 100,000 additional at-home rapid tests, the governor said, and will distribute them via municipalities and community partners in the coming days.

"Rhode Island is getting more than its fair share of rapid tests," McKee said, adding that the state is "pursuing every possible avenue" to get more.