At-home rapid testing has become an important tool for people to ensure their cold symptoms aren’t actually indicative of a bout with COVID, enabling them to avoid potential quarantines and feel better about visiting at-risk friends and loved ones.

But the availability of rapid testing can be irregular and change with each passing week. Buying from the store is never a guarantee, nor is there a guarantee that appointments will be available at local pharmacies.

With this in mind, it should be beneficial for readers to see a breakdown on where rapid tests can be found throughout Warren, in the event that you suddenly need one and don’t know where to turn.

Warren to host drive-thru test distribution on Saturday, Feb. 12
The Town of Warren and Warren Health Equity Zone (HEZ) are teaming up to provide home test kits for Warren residents on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 9-11 a.m., or until the test kits are gone.

The event will take place at St. Mary of the Bay, who have opened up their parking lot for this event. Use the entrance on 428 Water Street and bring proof of residence in Warren. Walk-ups welcome.

Free tests available at senior center and Railroad Ave test site
The state of Rhode Island has purchased 1 million rapid test kits throughout the month of January, and has been distributing these to individual municipalities, Warren included.

Town Manager Kate Michaud said in an interview last week that Warren has just recently received a second batch of 1,500 rapid test kits — each kit containing two tests.

These tests come with strings attached, however, and must be allocated for students or senior citizens. Michaud said that the majority of these kits have gone to schools so that kids can take them home to family members who might not otherwise be able to acquire them.

Rapid tests are also available for free at the Warren Senior Center, available to any senior resident of Warren (not just members) for pickup during operational hours (limit one kit per individual).

Michaud also mentioned that the testing site near the Del’s Lemonade next to the bike path on Railroad Avenue was operational again and is now accepting walk-up testing without an appointment, though appointments are encouraged.

Residents may schedule their tests at the site online at covid.RI.gov, or by phone at 401-222-8022, option 4. The site is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The last available walk-up slot is at 1:30 p.m.

Lastly, any individual is eligible to receive at-home rapid test kits through the Post Office (limit four per household), by going to CovidTests.gov and entering your address. Orders usually ship within 7-12 days.

Warren HEZ available to assist those in need
Kristin Read, director of the Warren Health Equity Zone (HEZ), spoke on Monday about other places where free rapid test kits are available to Warren residents.

“The RI Department of Health has periodically provided batches of self-test kits for distribution by the municipality or HEZ,” Read said in an email. “The Town of Warren has provided tests to the schools, housing and seniors and the HEZ reaches community members who are unable to afford and access tests or test sites. Warren HEZ relies on nonprofit partners who provide home visiting, serve Head Start families, and St. Mary of the Bay Food Pantry to get households covered.”

“They also pop up for street outreach at heavy trafficked locations,” Read continued. “Email WarrenHEZ@ebcap.org if you need support.”

Pharmacy testing
Local CVS and Walgreens pharmacies are still performing rapid and PCR COVID testing by appointment, which can be scheduled on their respective websites. Individuals may also purchase rapid test kits from pharmacies, but supplies are limited and not guaranteed at any particular time.

Read also mentioned that you are eligible to receive a reimbursement through certain health insurance plans for test kits that you purchase from pharmacies. Inquire with your insurance provider or within the pharmacy for more details of this coverage.