Health & Fitness
Rhode Island To Increase Coronavirus Testing In Schools
Governor Gina Raimondo announced at the weekly coronavirus update on Friday that asymptomatic testing in schools will be increased.
SMITHFIELD, RI—At Friday's coronavirus press conference, Governor Gina Raimondo said the state is working to increase coronavirus testing within its school districts through the use of 15-minute rapid tests.
The implementation of more testing in schools was piloted in Providence, Lincoln, Central Falls, and South County. Raimondo said schools were given two testing options-to host a single-day, widespread testing event or to incorporate ongoing testing.
Ten schools took the first option, 10 others took the second option, and 21 opted to utilize both options.
Find out what's happening in Smithfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"So far, it's been a huge success." said Raimondo.
Rhode Island's goal is to administer 30,000 15-minute rapid tests per week in schools. These tests would be in addition to the existing hotline testing system for grades k-12, which has the capacity to provide up to 5,000 tests per day.
Find out what's happening in Smithfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Raimondo said parents will be notified ahead of single-day testing events and no one will be forced to participate.
"Teacher says no, we respect that," said Raimondo. "Parent says no, we respect that."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.