The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Care New England and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will conduct a COVID-19 antibody testing program to determine the spread of the virus among essential workers.

As of July 17, first responders such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical workers, Rhode Island National Guard members, hospital and nursing home staff and RIDOH staff can voluntarily schedule an antibody test online, according to Raina Smith, senior marketing manager for Care New England. This is the second round of antibody testing in the state of Rhode Island, the first being random sampling in May.

“Serology testing tells us whether someone was previously exposed to a virus and helps us understand the spread of a virus in a community and the state,” the RIDOH webpage on antibody testing explained. “Supplementing what we learn from diagnostic testing with antibody testing is important to understand how COVID-19 is spreading in the state and to support people and communities that are most vulnerable to COVID-19.”

 During antibody testing, a blood sample is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis, according to Joseph Wendelken, public information officer for RIDOH. The analysts look for certain proteins in the blood to determine if there are antibodies against COVID-19. Results will be made available to participants about four days after testing. Wendelken said that there is a testing capacity of “tens of thousands,” so he believes that all essential workers who want to be tested will be able to do so.

John Faucher, deputy chief of the Warwick Fire Department, said that he will take the antibody test, and encourages other Warwick firefighters to do so as well. He said that there have been Fire Department staff who have previously tested positive for the virus. 

“We had a similar opportunity for an asymptomatic swab, but I think more people will be more willing to give blood then take the swab,” Faucher said.”

Faucher also emphasized that those who test positive for antibodies are not excused from following social distancing protocols. Although the antibodies may provide some form of immunity, there are still many unknowns regarding how long the immunity lasts, and if someone with antibodies can still spread the virus later on.

“On the individual basis, if you get a positive, it likely means that you may have had it in the past, but not an excuse to not wear a mask,” Rathbun said. “It’s really more of a way for community benefit and understanding the virus’s spread.”

Warwick Police Chief Rick Rathbun said that he had not heard of the testing program until notified by the Warwick Beacon.

Wendelken said that there is possibility for expanding testing in the future to different groups, but those in close-contact careers are receiving priority.

“I think that we envision doing future rounds in the future, but the CDC testing effort we’re doing a partnership with them is specific to these groups,” Wendelken said.