Clatsop County Public Health announces that it is expanding its COVID-19 drive-thru testing program thanks to the availability of more testing supplies.
Public Health, in partnership with Columbia Memorial Hospital and Providence Seaside Hospital, last month began offering regular testing at Camp Rilea in Warrenton. Testing is available by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
With adequate supplies from the state now available, the program will be able to offer testing for individuals who have quarantined at home after close contact with a COVID-positive case. These people will be able to schedule a test after seven days of quarantine – if they test negative, they will be cleared to resume normal activities, including school and work.
Up to now the program has mostly been limited to testing people with COVID-19 symptoms.
“With our expanded testing capability, and the seven-day testing window, we are working to make it easier for individuals to return to school, work and other activities outside the home,” Public Health Director Margo Lalich said. “For this to work, we need everyone, including parents and employers, to continue following the standard guidelines on quarantine after contact.”
Clearance to return to school or work requires a negative result from an approved COVID-19 test. At-home tests do not meet this requirement.
The public is also urged not to seek testing at hospital emergency rooms or urgent care clinics.
The Public Health testing service cannot accommodate all requests. For example, individuals seeking tests in order to attend sports or entertainment events are not eligible for the county program. Inappropriate requests may limit testing resources for supporting employers, employees, students and their families.
Testing results are normally provided the same day as the test.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the Public Information Call Center at (503) 325-8500.
More information is also available at this link:
https://www.co.clatsop.or.us/publichealth/page/covid-19-testing