Submitted by Lewis County Public Health & Social Services
Discovery Health MD (DHMD) has been contracted through the Washington State Department of Health to open a drive-up testing site for COVID-19 in Lewis County. The site will officially be up and running on Friday, November 26 at the Lewis County Mall, 151 NE Hampe Way in Chehalis.
The site will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, in the parking lot at the west end of the Lewis County Mall (next to the old Sears store). While online registration is available and encouraged, it is not required. It is encouraged to bring an ID and proof of insurance. However, testing is available regardless of ID and/or insurance status.
The lab-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is intended primarily for anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 or has had direct exposure to someone who has COVID-19, but no one showing up will be turned away. The results are usually available within 48 – 72 hours and are delivered through a secure online portal (notification will be received by e-mail and/or text), making them a convenient and fairly quick option for those in need. Within the portal guidance will also be provided for those testing positive and for those exposed to a positive case.
Lewis County Public Health & Social Services (LCPHSS) recently requested assistance from DOH for COVID-19 as regional resources are stretched thin due to high transmission rates and high demand for testing. “The Lewis County Mall site has removed barriers for COVID-19 testing in our community and improved our ability to detect and respond to COVID-19 by offering free testing for everyone without requiring a visit with a health care provider,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Lewis County health officer.
LCPHSS is hopeful additional testing sites and capability will alleviate the strain put on providers, which is why DHMD’s assistance is so valuable. Discovery Health MD is a Northwest company that provides COVID-19 testing and vaccination services to individuals, communities, and companies both directly and through partnerships with state and local health organizations.
“We are supportive of increasing testing throughout the state. By expanding our services in Lewis County where there are high positivity rates, we are helping to increase access to testing,” said DHMD’s Chief Growth Officer, Daniel Pulse.
