3 Newport COVID-19 Test Sites Closing This Month

NEWPORT, RI —Three COVID-19 test sites in Newport are scheduled to close this month as part of the state's consolidation effort.

The Rhode Island Department of Health and Gov. Dan McKee announced the plan to close many state-run test sites this month, bringing the total down to 25 statewide by the end of June. Other test sites will still be open at pharmacies and other locations not managed by the state.

The following Newport sites will close after June 26:

• Park Holm Senior Center: 1 Eisenhower St. Newport, RI 02840
• Stop & Shop Newport: 199 JT Connell Hwy Newport, RI 02840
• K12 CCRI- Newport: 1 John H. Chafee Blvd. Newport, RI 02840

Despite the impending closures, state leaders said that OVID-19 testing will continue to be an important tool for the state, going forward.

"Please continue to get tested even if you are vaccinated and have symptoms," McKee said. "Testing will continue to be an important way to keep Rhode Islanders safe as more and more Rhode Islanders across age bands get vaccinated and will help RIDOH identify emerging variants in our communities."

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Department of Health, reminded residents that "the pandemic is not over, and Rhode Islanders need to remain vigilant."

"COVID-19 testing will continue to be a critical tool in identifying disease and preventing outbreaks," she said.