A limited drive-up coronavirus testing site will open Wednesday morning in Bremerton, which will give priority to symptomatic health care workers and first responders.
The site will be located at the Washington National Guard Armory at 1211 Carver Street, not far from the West Hills Autoplex, and will be open by appointment through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
After this initial run, officials will look at the feasibility of expanding testing to people over 65 years old or have underlying medical conditions and then to folks 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.”
To be tested, a person must be experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19, which includes a fever above 99.6, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
Registration for an appointment can be done online here or by phone if you don’t have internet access at 360-728-2235. Officials ask those who do not receive an appointment, but are experiencing symptoms to contact their 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,” said 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.”
If you receive an appointment, follow these steps to get tested:
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with all windows rolled up until otherwise instructed.
- 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. Health care 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.
