Governor Gina Raimondo has announced a new COVID-19 testing site to be operated by CVS at the parking lot of Twin River Casino in Lincoln. The new site will be staffed by CVS Minute Clinic staff and will capable testing up to 1,000 adults per day. Raimondo says the rapid-testing site is targeted toward adults (18 and over) and is primarily for people who need a quick test turnaround so that they can safely go to work. Tests processed at the new site will generate results in less than 30 minutes while you wait. Anyone wishing to be tested can register on the CVS website, www.CVS.com and does not need to be referred by a doctor. The new test site doubles the state's capacity, bringing the potential number of daily tests to 2,000. Testing sites continue to operate at URI, RIC and CCRI. Access to those sites is still restricted to those who have been referred by their physician.
At her Monday briefing, the governor announced 160 new cases of COVID-19, the largest daily increase to date, raising the state's total number of cases to 1,082. She also announced two deaths, which bring the state death toll to 27. The governor also announced the expansion of unemployment benefits, as part of the recent federal funding package. Private contractors and those in the "gig economy" can apply for benefits beginning Tuesday morning.
Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, director of the RI Dept. of Health will hold a press conference Monday afternoon for children, answering kid's questions. The video for the conference will be streamed on FaceBook Monday afternoon at 3:30pm. Link: https://www.facebook.com/HealthRI/
photo: WJAR NBC10 video.