Central Falls benefiting from new rapid testing site, other Beat COVID-19 initiatives

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WLNE) — A rapid COVID-19 testing site is now up and running in the city of Central Falls.

It’s the second rapid-testing site in the state and the first testing site in Central Falls. The city is a hot spot for COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island.

Patients can walk or drive up to the testing location on Dexter Street and receive their test results in minutes.

The city’s COVID-19 hotline has also been quite popular since it launched one week ago.

“We can tell that people are not only listening to the information being pushed out by Pawtucket and Central Falls but also that the need is there,” said Mayor James Diossa.

Diossa says over 100 Central Falls residents call the hotline each day to find out more information about the coronavirus, where to get tested, and treatment options.

“People are feeling much more comfortable calling a hotline that will give them service and guidance,” said Diossa.

On Friday, Rhode Island’s state-wide mask order went into effect and Mayor Diossa has no concerns about his citizens complying, as the city has had a mask-order in effect for over 2 weeks.

“Although our police are doing the enforcement, we don’t want to get to the point of fining the [residents],” the mayor said.

“If someone doesn’t have a mask, we inform them of the order in effect and also provide a mask for the resident and educate them — that this is an order and when you’re in public you must wear a mask.”

In terms of re-opening the state, Diossa believes Central Falls will play it cautiously.

“I think that at the end of the day the citizens of Central Falls are more concerned about their health and will do their best to mitigate any risk of spread,” Diossa said.

Central Falls is more densely populated than many other Rhode Island cities and has a higher infection rate of COVID-19. Many residents do not have adequate space to properly self-quarantine if infected.

“If a business owner feels they could potentially create an issue by re-opening, I think that you’ll see some of those businesses taking a little longer as far as re-opening,” said Diossa.

The cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls launched a joint initiative called Beat COVID-19 a few weeks ago to help inform residents about the coronavirus, how and where to get tested, and what to do if they test positive.