Governor Announces Self-Checker Tool, New Walk-Up Testing Site

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) provided updates on Rhode Island’s response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) today. 

• Self-checker tool: Today, the state launched the Rhode Island COVID-19 Self-Checker: a web-based, mobile friendly tool that will help Rhode Islanders make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care and testing. Rhode Island is the first state in the nation to partner with Diagnostic Robotics to adopt this proven system for the coronavirus crisis. The Rhode Island COVID-19 Self-Checker is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The tool asks a series of questions related to symptoms, potential exposures, and other risk factors and will help users make decisions about when to seek care and testing. It also offers tips related to prevention, testing, quarantine, and isolation. The guidance offered through the Self-Checker is based on CDC guidelines and has been customized to connect Rhode Islanders with local information and resources.
• Memorial Hospital testing site: The state is opening a new walk-up site at the location of the former Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket. This site will serve in conjunction with the drive-up respiratory clinic that’s already operational at the former Memorial site. Appointments for testing are required. Anyone in Pawtucket experiencing COVID symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath – who is looking to be tested at this walk-up site should call 401-CARE-NOW. 

COVID-19 Data Update 

Rhode Island has 365 new cases of COVID-19. This brings Rhode Island’s count to 5,841. RIDOH also announced 10 additional COVID-19 associated fatalities. Of these 10 people, eight were nursing home residents. Rhode Island’s number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is now 181. A full data summary for Rhode Island is posted online.

Key messages for the public

• Anyone who is sick should stay home and self-isolate (unless going out for testing or healthcare).
• The people who live with that person and who have been in direct close contact with that person should self-quarantine for 14 days after the last day that that person was in isolation. Direct close contact means being within approximately 6 feet of a person for a prolonged period.
• Help is available for people living in quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19. Visit www.RIDelivers.com for connections to groceries, home supplies, restaurants, and mutual aid groups. People can also call 2-1-1. 
• When people are in public, they should wear a cloth face covering. A cloth face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth. It could be sewn by hand or improvised from household items such as scarves, T-shirts, or bandanas.
• Groups of more than five people should not be gathering. Always avoid close personal contact with other people in public.
• Healthcare workers should not be going to work if they are sick (even with mild symptoms).
• People who think they have COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider. Do not go directly to a healthcare facility without first calling a healthcare provider (unless you are experiencing a medical emergency).
• People with general, non-medical questions about COVID-19 can visit www.health.ri.gov/covid, write to RIDOH.COVID19Questions@health.ri.gov, or call 401-222-8022. This is the COVID-19 Hotline that RIDOH has available to the public.
• Everyone can help stop the spread of viruses in Rhode Island.

• Get your flu shot, and make sure the people around you do the same.
• Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Stay home and do not leave your house if you are sick, unless it is for emergency medical care.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.