COVID-19 Testing in Rhode Island

How to get tested for COVID-19

The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends all Rhode Islanders get tested for COVID-19 often. Click here or on the map to find the test site closest to you.

There are several ways to get tested for COVID-19 in Rhode Island:

  • Schedule a free test for yourself or a dependent child at a State site. All Rhode Islanders can schedule a test online at portal.ri.gov or by calling 401-222-8022.
  • Get a free rapid test in your local community. Pawtucket and Central Falls residents can call the Beat COVID Hotline at 855-843-7620 to learn more.
  • Call your primary care provider or child’s pediatrician. Ask if they do point-of-care testing or if they can schedule a test for you.
  • Make an appointment at a local respiratory clinic.
covid testing site locator

All Rhode Islanders can schedule a free COVID-19 test for themselves or their dependent child on portal.ri.gov, regardless of whether they have symptoms or insurance. 

Results from any State-run test sites can be accessed on portal.ri.gov/results.

  • Rapid test results are ready in the same day and PCR test results are usually ready in one to two days.
  • This user guide has step-by-step instructions for accessing results on the portal.

For rapid testing, go to portal.ri.gov and schedule an appointment for a BinaxNOW test at one of several locations across the State. Locations that offer BinaxNOW rapid testing are noted on the self-scheduling portal. 

BinaxNOW testing with same-day results is also available at community testing events. These events are for residents in the local community. Testing is free and appointments are not required.

RIDOH recommends that anyone who gets a negative result on a rapid test but has symptoms of COVID-19 schedule a confirmatory PCR test on portal.ri.gov.

Learn more about how the BinaxNOW test works.

This program provides Rhode Island businesses with rapid COVID-19 test kits and the training they need so they can conduct regular testing of employees. The employer agrees to train its team, conduct the tests, and report results to RIDOH.

For more information, call the Business Testing Contact Center at 888-662-4354 or email [email protected]. This contact center is open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. and on weekends from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Check with the health department in the state or country you are traveling to for quarantine guidance and testing requirements. 

Rhode Islanders planning to travel to a state that requires a COVID-19 test in order to avoid extended quarantine can schedule a test on portal.ri.gov. Since some states and airlines require a lab report as proof of a negative result, RIDOH recommends travelers schedule a PCR test. The result of this test is usually ready in two days.

Rhode Islanders travelling to Hawaii should schedule a COVID-19 test at a Walgreens Pharmacy. Tests processed through Rhode Island's COVID-19 testing program will not qualify, according to Hawaii’s travel partner criteria. 

More travel information is available here.

The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends all close contacts of people with COVID-19 get tested on day 5 of quarantine or later. If the result is negative, a close contact can end their quarantine after day 7 but should continue to watch for symptoms for 14 days from exposure.

Learn more about close contact quarantine requirements.