COVID-19 Testing in Rhode Island

How to get tested for COVID-19

  • 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.
  • 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 respiratory clinic.
  • Attend a free testing event in your local community. Pawtucket and Central Falls residents can call the Beat COVID Hotline at 855-843-7620 to learn more.

State COVID-19 testing

  • 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. All State sites require an appointment.
  • Some State sites are walk-through, and others are drive-through. This list has more information about each location.
  • Results are usually ready in less than 48 hours and can be accessed on portal.ri.gov/results. This user guide has step-by-step instructions for accessing results on the portal.

Rapid testing

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.

Testing for close contacts

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.

Antibody/Serology Testing

Learn more about antibody/serology testing that looks for signs of previous exposure to the disease. 

Resources