Two new free COVID-19 test sites will open in South King County over the next two weeks. According to officials, these new testing sites in Renton and Auburn will bring additional free COVID-testing to south King County where communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and will increase access to testing across our community.
Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends that anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or close contact with someone who has COVID-19 be tested right away. Stay home and away from others while you are waiting for test results.
“We want the people of Auburn, Renton, and all of south King County to take advantage of these and other testing sites in their communities, so that they can keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Before flu season arrives, we need to do all we can to lower the rates of COVID-19 across our region.”
The new sites are anticipated to increase testing capacity by more than 1,500 tests per day.
For these two sites, Public Health is partnering with local labs, the UW Medicine and Atlas Genomics, in order to ensure quick turnaround times of testing results. Once a case is identified, contact tracers can work to connect with potential contacts quickly, when people are more likely to be highly contagious.
“Closing the gaps in testing access has been a top priority for Public Health as we continue to see the disproportionate impact COVID-19 is having on communities of color and those living in south King County”, said Patty Hayes, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County.
“The testing sites are tremendous examples of the strong partnerships needed to address such a critical need of the community, added Hayes. “HealthPoint, Valley Regional Fire Authority, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, and leadership and support from the cities of Auburn and Renton have all come together to offer everything they can to make testing more accessible and to ensure those without access to a provider can get connected to services they need.”
“By listening to our community and seeing the COVID-19 racial inequities, we know where the needs for testing are greatest, and it’s critically important to get more testing closer to people in south King County,” said Matias Valenzuela, Public Health’s Equity Director.
Some people may be concerned that if they test positive, they may not have a place to safely isolate. King County isolation and quarantine sites are available to make it easier to get through a difficult situation and to reduce the risk of transmission for those who cannot safely isolate at home, such as for those living with a family member who is elderly or medically fragile, or people experiencing homelessness. Call the King County COVID-19 Call Center (206) 477-3977 to see if isolation and quarantine services are right for you.
Testing site information
Auburn site: Opening Sept. 1, 2020, 2701 C St SW, Auburn, WA 98001, located at the East side of the General Services Administration (GSA) property along C St SW., Hours: Monday-Saturday; 9:30am-4:30pm
Renton site: Opening Sept. 8, 2020, 805 SW 10th Ave. Renton, 98057, Hours: Monday-Saturday; 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
People are strongly encouraged to pre-register at the websites below to save time and speed up the testing process. If you need help with registration, call the King County COVID-19 Call Center (open seven days a week, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.), at 206-477-3977.
Clients will not be charged for testing. Bring your insurance card and driver’s license if you have them. No one will be turned away if they do not have insurance or a driver’s license. Language interpretation available at testing sites.
