News Flash

 NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 29, 2020 

Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing extended through January

 LONGVIEW, Washington — Cowlitz County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is extending its partnership with Medical Teams International to offer free COVID-19 testing to people who live,
work or go to school in the county through the month of January.

This comes as Cowlitz County enters its fifth week at a high level of COVID-19 activity, per the state’s new “high” threshold of more than 350 cases per 100,000 residents reported in the prior 14 days. CCHHS reported 394 cases per 100,000 residents in the 14 days from 12/9-12/22.

While case counts remain high, they began leveling off the week after Thanksgiving. CCHHS reported around 30 new cases each day in the third week of December. Deaths due to COVID-19 have spiked, with a cumulative total of 23 deaths reported as of 12/29.

CCHHS and Medical Teams International are pleased to continue offering affordable and accessible COVID-19 testing to the community. Testing will be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds (1900 7th Ave, Longview, WA 98632).

• Tuesday January 5, 2021 1pm-6pm
• Wednesday January 6, 2021 9am-3pm
• Tuesday January 12, 2021 1pm-6pm
• Wednesday January 13, 2021 9am-3pm
• Tuesday January 19, 2021 1pm-6pm
• Wednesday January 20, 2021 9am-3pm
• Tuesday January 26, 2021 1pm-6pm
• Wednesday January 27, 2021 9am-3pm

Just like in December, drivers will be asked to enter the testing site through the 7th Avenue gate and exit through the Washington Street gate. Walk-ins are also welcome at the “Bicycle and Foot Traffic for COVID Testing Entrance” sign located on 7th Avenue.

Everyone who enters the testing site is asked to wear a face mask to lower the risk of spreading COVID-19.
No appointments are needed. Health insurance is not required, but proof of insurance is recommended in order to preserve grant funding for the uninsured.

Test results take up to five days to process and can be accessed online. People can also call (971) 762-8636 to speak with a member of Medical Teams International to get their results. Those who do test positive are advised to follow CCHHS guidance and self-isolate at home.

Medical Teams International can support CCHHS in offering this extended testing clinic due to a contract it has with the Washington State Department of Health. A team of 5-8 medical professionals from the nonprofit as well as Cowlitz County staff will continue to operate the testing site.

CCHHS has seen a continued need for COVID-19 testing in the community, as more than 1,300 tests were collected by staff at the testing site between 12/8-12/18. This increased testing capacity prevents people from having to wait several days or even weeks to get tested for COVID-19.
 

“Access to testing is important to be able to contain the spread of COVID-19,” said Cowlitz County Interim Director Carole Harrison. “We are relieved to be able to continue offering this option for testing."

CCHHS is continuing to receive an increase of calls regarding COVID-19. Staff is working diligently to respond to calls, however, response times may be longer than normal. For COVID-19 resources, 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.

##