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RI COVID-19 Testing: All Symptomatic Rhode Islanders

[CREDIT: NIAID RML] This electron microscope image of the virus that causes COVID-19— Expanded COVID-19 testing for all symptomatic Rhode Islanders is now available.

[CREDIT: NIAID RML] This electron microscope image of the virus that causes COVID-19— Expanded COVID-19 testing for all symptomatic Rhode Islanders is now available.
[CREDIT: NIAID RML] This electron microscope image of the virus that causes COVID-19— Expanded COVID-19 testing for all symptomatic Rhode Islanders is now available.
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PROVIDENCE — The RI Department of Health (RIDOH) has announced that RI COVID-19 testing capacity now allows all symptomatic Rhode Islanders to be tested for the coronavirus causing the disease.

RIDOH announced the expanded COVID-19 testing as RI’s health department also reported two new deaths from the disease, bringing Rhode Island’s fatality total to 12. Both individuals were females, one in her 80s and one in her 90s. An additional 91 Rhode Islanders have tested positive for COVID-19, for a total to 657.

While all symptomatic people may now be tested, it is critical that people with symptoms also self-isolate and have as little contact with others as possible, according to the health department.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include any of these symptoms (Doctors now know some people with COVID-19 have only experienced one or two mild symptoms): fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches (myalgias), chills, runny nose or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, or diarrhea. Anyone who is experiencing any of these symptoms should call their doctor or an urgent care clinic to make an appointment to one of the state’s testing sites.  The testing sites include Kent Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, CCRI, URI and RIC, but officials warn people will not be tested without an appointment.

Currently, a person can only be tested for COVID-19 in Rhode Island if testing is ordered by a healthcare provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, call an urgent care center. Call first before going to a healthcare facility (unless it is an emergency).

 The expanded approach of testing all people with symptoms represents a significant change. COVID-19 testing in Rhode Island had previously been limited to the members of certain priority populations who are more vulnerable to complications from COVID-19 (such as nursing home residents), or who are members of Rhode Island’s critical infrastructure workforce (such as healthcare workers). This increase in testing capacity gives Rhode Island the opportunity to test more people with symptoms and to get a better idea of how much virus is circulating in Rhode Island.

 

Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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