Free Coronavirus Testing Launches Citywide In Seattle

SEATTLE, WA — All Seattle residents, workers and vistors will have access to free coronavirus testing, via two drive-thru sites operating at former emissions testing facilities, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Thursday. Both testing sites open Friday, June 5.

The two facilities — one in North Seattle, and another in SODO — will offer appointments at no charge to pre-registered visitors. Patients can schedule tests online or register over the phone at 206-684-2489.

Seattle launched the city-wide effort in partnership with UW Medicine and public health officials. Testing sites will be staffed by the Seattle Fire Department, and visits should take no more than 10 minutes upon arrival.

Durkan said the city aims to test up to 1,600 people per day, with all samples quickly analyzed by the University of Washington Virology Lab. Each patient will receive a QR code after the test, and some results could be available within one day.

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Free drive-thru testing locations:

North Seattle
Location: 12040 Aurora Ave N
Hours: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Mon. - Sat.)

SODO
Location: 3820 6th Ave. S.
Hours: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Mon. - Sat.)

Who can get tested?

• All who live, work or regularly visit Seattle are eligible for free testing.
• Anyone experiencing any symptoms linked to COVID-19, no matter how mild, or with exposure to a confirmed patient within two weeks, should immediately seek testing.
• According to Public Health, symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, loss of smell, body aches, chills, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, runny nose and congestion.

According to the city, patients only need to bring a photo ID showing their date of birth, but testing is available regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Those with insurance cards are asked to bring them, but insurance is not required to get tested.

Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins said the fire department has enough testing materials to run for at least 45 days, just with what is in stock now. The mayor said the city will explore expanding to other sites, including in West Seattle, where residents face challenges related to the indefinite bridge closure.

Increasing daily testing is among one of the key metrics state officials consider when determining when each county can move forward in Gov. Jay Inslee's Safe Start reopening plan. On Thursday, Inslee said the state can now process roughly 20,000 tests per day.