Seattle to offer free citywide coronavirus testing

SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Thursday that the city will offer free citywide coronavirus testing in partnership with the University of Washington Medicine.

>>Coronavirus: Inslee encourages those with mild COVID-19 symptoms to get tested

Testing will be performed at two locations. Drive-up sites will be located in north and south Seattle. Those sites are former emissions testing sites, which will allow for up to 1,600 tests per day, officials said.

However, the testing will only be for those who drive through and book ahead.

Friday, June 5, is the first day of testing at the SODO site and Monday, June 8, is the first day of testing at the Aurora site. Testing results will be available online.

Those who test positive will be notified and receive information on next steps. They will also receive referrals to Public Health – Seattle & King County.

“To ensure Seattle can safely open under Gov. Inslee’s phased plan, we must increase our testing capacity. Despite having insurance and primary care doctors, I’ve heard from many constituents who still can’t access [testing] or face increased barriers to COVID-19 tests," said Councilmember Debora Juarez, District 5 North Seattle. "The City is utilizing its existing resources and relationships to expand available testing, so those diagnosed can self-isolate and we can continue to slow the spread of coronavirus.”

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