Whatcom County has been approved to receive a kiosk from the state Department of Health that will offer free COVID-19 and flu tests.
Seventeen kiosks are being offered by the Department of Health to local health jurisdictions and tribal nations across the state. Expected to be located in food banks, transit stations, churches, schools and libraries, the Testandgo kiosks will provide 24/7 access to health care tests and supplies.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services said it is exploring possible locations for its kiosk.
The state currently has two kiosks in Parkland and Spanaway, Pierce County. Future locations can be found at testandgo.com/kiosk-locator.
The program hopes to target health inequity and reach underserved communities, according to a Department of Health news release. Public health strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19 focus on providing free and accessible tests, particularly to those who are uninsured.
Each kiosk can hold about 700 tests, half of which are required to be COVID-19 or flu tests. COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, multiplex rapid antigen tests and self-swab PCR tests will be available. The DOH will only cover the cost of COVID-19 and flu tests.
The remaining space in the kiosks may be filled by the local health jurisdiction. Health care products such as naloxone, fentanyl tests strips, pregnancy and STD tests, and over-the-counter medications and products may be added. If other products are not added, the remaining space will be filled with additional COVID-19 and flu tests.
