At-home rapid COVID-19 test being distributed throughout R.I. Thursday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Cities and towns have announced free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests being distributed throughout the Ocean State Thursday.

This follows McKee’s announcement that 500,000 test would be distributed throughout the state this week.

“A total of 350,000 at-home tests will be distributed by cities and towns. A total of 150,000 tests will be distributed by roughly 30 community organizations in areas of Rhode Island where some people may otherwise not have the means to purchase tests.”

Test pick-up sites and hours include:

Barrington will be giving out test to residents that are 60 years or older, at the Peck Center for Adult Enrichment from 9:30a.m. to 2:00p.m.

Central Falls will be giving out free at-home rapid test for residents outside of City Hall at Jenks Park on  from 4:30 to 6p.m.

East Providence Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency plan to hold a drive through distribution event between 4 and 6:30pm at Pierce Memorial Field for East Providence. Those eligible to pick up these test are families with school aged children, persons who are immunocompromised, and residents 65 and older.

Jamestown will be distributing 1,800 COVID test distributed through the state to senior and school aged populations. The Jamestown Senior Center will be receiving test at noon during the lunch program at the West Street location, and parents can pick up test at the Melrose and Lawn Avenue schools from 2:30 to 3p.m.

The North Providence Emergency Management Agency will be distributing test to residents only, at the North Providence High School from 3 to 6p.m.

Pawtucket will be distributing test at the Pawtucket Library or Senior Center at normal operating hours.

The Rhode Island Department of Health also noted that all Rhode Islanders can now order free COVID-19 self-test kits directly from the federal government.

According to the Governor’s Office, a self-test should be considered:

• Before gathering indoors with others, especially with anyone who is unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or at risk of sever illness.
• If you have symptoms or were exposed to COVID and can’t get to a test site.
• Before and after domestic travel.