Lincoln County health officials are offering drive-through and walk-up COVID-19 tests this week, hoping to draw hundreds of residents to take advantage of the free, self-administered tests.
Unlike other testing sites or programs, people will not have to have coronavirus symptoms in order to be tested. But, individuals may not get their test results for up to seven days, which limits the effectiveness of such screenings.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Lincoln County has dropped dramatically in the past two months, after a massive outbreak at Pacific Seafood’s plants in Newport in June worked their way through the county. Now, the county is averaging less than 5 cases a week.
“This is a great opportunity for us to do some surveillance and ensure that the ‘picture’ we have been looking at over the last few months is an accurate picture of what’s going on in Lincoln County,” said Florence Pourtal, the health department’s deputy director.
The first tests will be Tuesday afternoon in Waldport, then moving to Newport, Lincoln City and then Toledo by the end of the week.
Funding for the tests is being provided by the Oregon Health Authority. Portland-based Medical Teams International is providing staff for the testing.
People can get tested at any of the sites regardless of where they live in Lincoln County. Services will be provided in English, Spanish, Mam and other languages as needed.
Tests will be available for anyone 5 years and older, regardless of whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not. The health department warned parents and caregivers to use their judgement and discretion in administering the test to young children.
The health department is encouraging people wanting to get tested to register before the event. People who have pre-registered will be placed in the “express line” for testing when they arrive. On-site registration will be available during the event for people unable to pre-register.
The lab processing the results is Willamette Valley Toxicology in Corvallis.
Pourtal said people with negative tests will be notified by the by OHA and that Lincoln County public health staff “will handle all positive results to ensure timely case investigation and contact tracing.”
There are five steps to register, county officials said:
- Go to a website called LabDash to register;
- Select user type “Patient”;
- Enter your information and select “check this box if you do not have insurance”;
- Check your email for an activation link. You can access your information anytime after your account has been activated;
- On the day of the testing event, login to LabDash and show your QR code to testing site staff.
The testing sites, times and days are:
Waldport: 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the former high school parking lot at 320 N.E. Crestline Drive.
Newport: 1-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, South Beach Marina, 2120 N.E. Marine Science Drive.
Lincoln City: 1-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Lincoln City 6 Movie Theater, 3755 S.E. High School Drive.
Toledo: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, Toledo Foursquare Church: 1803 N.W. Lincoln Way.
Public health officials said people who have questions should contact the county’s COVID-19 call center at 541-265-0621 or via email at LincolnCoCallCenter@co.lincoln.or.us
