Two more new COVID-19 testing sites in south King County

Novel Coronavirus, Press Releases,

Expansion of testing to close gaps in south King County

Residents of south King County will have two more options for convenient, free COVID-19 testing in the coming days. New sites in Tukwila and Federal Way will expand efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in a disproportionately affected region of King County. These sites are open to anyone, regardless of insurance.

Early testing remains one of our best tools for preventing COVID-19 from spreading in our communities. 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.

People are encouraged, but not required, to register for a testing appointment. Walk-ups are welcome, or people can receive a test in their vehicle Both sites will be open Monday through Saturday, 9:30am – 5:30pm Visit www.chifranciscan.org/freetesting for more details on scheduling and registration at these two sites.

  • The Tukwila testing center opens on Tuesday, Oct. 6, and is located at The Church by the Side of the Road, at 3455 S. 148th St.
  • In Federal Way, the testing site will open a week later, on Tuesday, Oct. 13. It will be located at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.

The testing centers will be operated by King County in cooperation with St. Anne Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, part of CHI Franciscan, and our local fire department partners.

Adding these new testing sites means more people can get the results they need to help stop the outbreak in its tracks,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “More access to testing, safe social distancing, and wearing masks in public all fit together to ensure everyone in King County can stay safe.”

Closing gaps in testing

South King County has the highest rate of positive tests in the county, which indicates more COVID spreading in the community there, with Black, Indigenous and people of color in King County shouldering a disproportionate burden of cases. Addressing those disparities is one of Public Health – Seattle & King County’s highest priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These sites in Tukwila and Federal Way, combined with our two other recently opened testing sites in Auburn and Renton, represent another step toward closing our community’s gaps in access to COVID-19 testing,” says Patty Hayes, Director, Public Health – Seattle & King County.

“We rely on our partners in healthcare, hospitals, fire departments and by leadership in cities across King County to be able to stand-up these sites. We are so grateful to have these strong partnerships, including CHI Franciscan, which has expanded its current operations during COVID-19 to help bring more equitable access to testing in our communities.”

Support for isolation and quarantine

Anyone who tests positive should isolate immediately. For those without a safe place to do so, King County isolation and quarantine sites are available to help people through a difficult situation and reduce risk of transmission. This is especially important 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.

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.

Additional resources

Originally published on October 6th, 2020