coronavirus in Rhode Island

Newport area residents will soon have another option to secure a rapid COVID-19 test, according to the City of Newport.

The City of Newport shared in a press release this afternoon that they have been informed that beginning Tuesday, January 26, the Rhode Island Department of Health and Rhode Island National Guard, will be opening a Binax Now Rapid test site at 21 Brown and Howard Wharf in downtown Newport.

The site, which was donated by Paolino Properties, will offer free asymptomatic Walk-In service from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. No appointment is necessary, however those utilizing the testing site are asked to maintain social distancing and follow the direction of the service members who may have to form them into lines.

The new location is part of the RIDOH’s effort to expand COVID-19 testing in East Bay communities. City Staff is also coordinating with State health officials to open additional sites in the City’s North End neighborhood, according to the press release.

Patrons will be provided a ticket number and are asked to wait in their vehicles for 15-20 minutes after providing a quick nasal swab for the test. Results are provided on-site, and they will be called back in by their ticket number for results; they will be provided a hardcopy sheet of their results, as well a digital entry into the RIDOH portal. Those who test positive will also be provided guidance on quarantining and public safety.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...