RI Dept. Of Health Awarded $1.4M To Study COVID-19 Variants

PROVIDENCE, RI — As more transmissible, dangerous variants of COVID-19 become more prevalent in Rhode Island, the state's Department of Health was awarded $1.4 million in federal funding to expand genome testing and mutation identification efforts.

The funding came from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention as part of the American Rescue Plan, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse said.

"This federal grant will enable local researchers to conduct genomic sequencing and better identify emerging forms of the virus," Sen. Reed said. "The more reliable scientific data we have the better we can understand, track, and stop the spread of variants of concern."

COVID-19 variants are not new in Rhode Island, particularly the one first identified in the United Kingdom. The department estimated that more than half of new cases identified in the state are "variants of concern."

"While existing vaccines have proven largely effective against mutations so far, the potential emergence of new variants remains a big question mark hanging over the long-term recovery from the pandemic," Sen. Whitehouse said. "Democrats pushed for this funding in the American Rescue Plan to give the CDC and states like Rhode Island the ability to adapt the public health response accordingly as the virus continues to change."

The first round of funding will arrive in early May, Rhode Island lawmakers said. It will be used to pay for collecting specimens, sequencing the viruses and sharing data. More funding will be invested over the next few years.

"Rhode Island is in a race against time with vaccines and variants.," Gov. Dan McKee said. "As we continue to get shots in arms, investing in data collection is an asset that will help protect Rhode Islanders and our neighbors across the country. I thank our Congressional delegation for all their efforts to secure crucial federal funding to support Rhode Island’s COVID-19 response."

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the department, said previously that Rhode Islanders should get vaccinated as soon as possible, continue to get tested for COVID-19 regularly and make sure to upgrade to a high-quality mask to help slow the spread of variants in the state. High-quality masks include KN95s, N95s, paper surgical masks or fabric masks made of tightly woven fabric, at least two layers thick. Masks should be tight-fitting over the nose, mouth and chin while remaining comfortable to wear. Face shields alone, loose-fitting bandanas or single-layer fabric masks such as buffs are not recommended, the doctor said.