Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing available in Cowlitz County throughout December
LONGVIEW, Washington — Cowlitz County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is partnering with Medical Teams International to provide free drive-thru COVID-19 testing to people that live, work or go to school in Cowlitz County throughout the month of December.
Testing will take place at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds (1900 7th Ave, Longview, WA 98632) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Drivers will be guided to enter the test site through the 7th Avenue gate and exit through the Washington Street gate.
December 2020 COVID-19 Testing Schedule |
Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
1-6pm | 9am-2pm | 1-6pm | 8am-Noon |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
1-6pm | 9am-2pm | 1-6pm | 8am-Noon |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
1-6pm | 8am-Noon | Closed | Closed |
29 | 30 | 31 | 1 |
1-6pm | 8am-Noon | Closed | Closed |
No appointments are required to receive a free COVID-19 test. Drivers must remain in their vehicle at all times, including while administering their own self-swab test. Proof of insurance is not required, but is recommended in order to preserve grant funding for the uninsured.
Increased testing capacity is made possible through a contract between the Washington State Department of Health and Medical Teams International as well as CARES Act funding received by CCHHS. The Tigard-based nonprofit will deploy a team of 5-8 medical professionals who will work with Cowlitz County staff and volunteers to oversee the testing of approximately 150 individuals per day.
For the past two months, CCHHS has seen an increasing need for additional COVID-19 testing in the community. While the shortage of testing last spring was due to lack of supplies, the shortage of testing this fall stems from a need for testing beyond the capacity of the healthcare system. Recently, patients have had to wait several days or even weeks to get tested for COVID-19.
“We have been working with local healthcare partners and pharmacies for quite some time to increase testing options for our community,” said Carole Harrison, interim CCHHS director. “We know how frustrating it has been for the public to find local COVID-19 testing, so we are pleased to be able to finally have another option.”
CCHHS is receiving an increase of calls related to COVID-19. Staff is working diligently to respond to calls, however, response times may be longer than normal. For COVID-19 resources including toolkits for cases and close contacts, please visit the Cowlitz County Health and Human Services novel coronavirus website.
To contact the Health and Human Services Departments, please call 360-414-5599.