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DATE: April 7, 2020
CONTACT: Doug Bear, Joint Information Center Manager at dbear@co.kitsap.wa.us.
(KITSAP COUNTY, Wash.) -- A drive-up COVID-19 testing site opens for a short time in Bremerton on Wednesday, April 8, limited to priority groups identified by the federal government. The initial priority is testing for health care workers and first responders who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Officials at Kitsap County’s Emergency Operations Center (KCEOC) will reassess available resources later this week with an eye toward expanding testing to people with COVID-19 symptoms who are over 65 years old or have underlying medical conditions, then to those who work in critical infrastructure.
“We are thankful that Kitsap County is receiving federal assets and expertise to increase our access to testing for individuals at highest risk for contracting COVID-19”, said Lis Klute, Director of Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management and member of Kitsap County’s multi-agency unified command for the local response to COVID-19. “We are working alongside the Kitsap Public Health District and our local, state and federal partners to make this happen.”
The testing site is located at the Washington National Guard Armory (1211 Carver Street, in Bremerton) and opens 10 a.m. daily. Testing continues through Friday with appointments between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. To qualify for testing you must complete an online registration at https://redcap.link/Kitsap_COVID_Testing which includes a medical screening. If you meet the criteria, you receive a registration number and an appointment date and time. You need to show your registration number at the testing site. Those without internet access can call the Kitsap Public Health District at 360-728-2235 for assistance. To be tested you must be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 – typically a fever of at least 99.6 degrees, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
Registering in advance and arriving promptly for appointments contributes to the safety of those performing the tests, as well as the efficient operation of the testing site. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment and wait with all windows rolled up until instructed otherwise; be patient if your appointment runs later than scheduled. Up to four qualifying people can be tested per vehicle -- each person must register in advance and obtain an appointment.
If you receive an appointment, follow these steps to get tested:
- Show your valid ID and registration number when you arrive. Write the registration number on a piece of paper big and bold. If your current residential address is not the same as the address on your ID, write your residential address clearly on a piece of paper and bring it to the testing site. Healthcare workers or first responders should bring organization-issued ID.
- Show these items through your window or place them on your car dashboard so test site personnel can review them. Do not roll your window down.
- After your appointment is confirmed, you are directed to an area where the test is administered.
- Tests are conducted by personnel in full personal protective equipment (PPE). Follow their instructions to complete the test.
- Drivers exit the facility immediately after the test is completed.
Results are provided by telephone from a federal call center (833-447-0001, caller ID: Results Center) within 4 – 7 days. The call center attempts to reach you three times and does not leave messages. When they reach you, they provide you with a login so you can view your test results online.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but don’t qualify for this week’s drive-up testing, please contact call your health care provider.
“We appreciate the public’s understanding that testing resources are limited. But everyone can do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19,” notes Dr. Susan Turner, Health Officer for the Kitsap Public Health District. “We continue to urge people to stay home, stay healthy and practice social distancing.”
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