Drive-thru coronavirus testing begins in Kitsap County

Kitsap County is making drive-thru testing for the coronavirus more available, but only for limited groups of people.

The tests are available for medical workers, first responders, people working in essential services, people employed by the Department of Defense, and people in high risk groups. But only if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

“So fever, cough or shortness of breath, one of those symptoms would qualify,” said Melinda Green, with the county’s Department of Emergency Services.

Kitsap County has reported 132 cases of COVID-19 with one confirmed death. The death of 49-year-old Bainbridge Island police Officer Kurt Enget on Friday is also suspected of being cause by the coronavirus.

Testing guidelines are similar to drive-thru testing done in Pierce County in March allowing people to remain in their cars as they are tested through rolled down windows before driving away. Test results in Pierce County took nearly a week. Kitsap County is hoping to move faster now that test results have become available more quickly.

“Right now, we’re being told that UW has about a 24-hour turn around, so that’s what we’re hoping for,” said Green.

People who believe they qualify for a test are being asked to preregister here.

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