Kitsap County drive-thru COVID-19 testing site opens Oct. 26

Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 10/23/2020 12:08 PM PDT

Oct. 23, 2020

Kitsap County launches drive-thru COVID-19 testing site

Advance registration is open for the Bremerton site. Testing begins Oct. 26.

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Kitsap County will have a new option for fast and easy COVID-19 testing, beginning Monday, Oct. 26.

The Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center and Kitsap Public Health District have launched a drive-through COVID-19 testing site at Pendergast Regional Park in Bremerton. Testing is available three days a week for anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms, has been exposed to a COVID-19 case, or meets other testing criteria.

Participants must book appointments for testing online or by phone. A healthcare provider visit and health insurance are not required to access testing. Results are typically available within 48 hours.

Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said the new site provides an additional low-barrier COVID-19 testing option to expand on services already offered by clinics and pharmacies in the community.

“To overcome this pandemic, we need to make COVID-19 testing readily available to every Kitsap County resident who needs it. The opening of this drive-through site marks a big step toward accomplishing that goal,” Dr. Morrow said.

“By identifying COVID-19 cases quickly, we can help people take steps to avoid spreading the virus to others. This will prevent more illness and deaths, and keep our county on the path to recovery.”

Staff and volunteers work out of a mobile command unit that will allow the testing site to be redeployed at other locations in the county. The Pendergast Regional Park site is intended to be the first location offered through a broader Kitsap County Community COVID-19 Testing Program aimed at improving access to testing countywide, in cooperation with partner organizations.

In appreciation of those staffing the Pendergast testing site, Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management Director Lis Klute stated, "We couldn't be where we are now without our exceptional volunteers, nor could we get to where we are going without them."

Kitsap County allocated Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to support the new testing program.

The City of Bainbridge Island is also finalizing plans to open a drive-thru testing site that is expected to open Nov. 2. The city’s website will be updated as soon as more information about scheduling appointments is available.

When is the Pendergast Regional Park testing site open?

The site is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, beginning Oct. 26.

How do I register for testing?

An appointment is required for testing. You can register online. If you need assistance registering, call Kitsap Public Health at 360-728-2235, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Who can get tested?

Testing is available for anyone who:

Has any COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of severity.
Has been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Meets other testing criteria posted by Kitsap Public Health.

Participants must register in advance, online or by phone.

How much does testing cost?

Testing is available at no cost to participants.

If you have health insurance, your insurance will be billed for the cost of the test.
If you do not have insurance, the cost of your test can be covered by a federal program.

What COVID-19 testing methods are offered?

Two testing methods are offered at the site: nasal specimen collection and saliva collection. Learn more about COVID-19 testing.

MEDIA CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org

The Kitsap County Joint Information Center, as part of the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center (KCEOC), provides accurate and up-to-date information about the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization's goal is to reduce impacts of the pandemic in Kitsap and to safeguard the local healthcare system, government infrastructure and economy, as well as to prepare for recovery. The KCEOC operates under the leadership of a unified command, composed of representatives of Kitsap Public Health District, Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management, Kitsap 911, Law Enforcement and the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs Association.

Kitsap County
Emergency Operations Center
http://www.Kitsapgov.com

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