New COVID-19 testing site in Bellevue

The site is the first of its kind on the Eastside

December 11, 2020 1:30 am
Licensed practical nurse administers a COVID-19 test at the Jamestown Family Clinic’s drive-up testing site on Dec. 7. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell
Licensed practical nurse administers a COVID-19 test at the Jamestown Family Clinic’s drive-up testing site on Dec. 7. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

Starting this week, there will be a new option for convenient, free COVID-19 testing on the Eastside.

A new site at Bellevue College will open on Tuesday, expanding efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in east King County and along the I-90 corridor. This will be the first free, high-capacity COVID-19 test site on the Eastside.

“As cases continue to spike in our state and all across America, expanding access to COVID-19 testing is critical to ensuring the health of our diverse community. We’re proud to partner with Public Health – Seattle & King County to be their first testing site on the Eastside. And we can’t forget to thank all our healthcare workers on the front lines for their heroic efforts,” Gary Locke, Interim President, Bellevue College stated in a press release.

This site will be free and open to anyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status.

If you have COVID-like symptoms or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, Public Health – Seattle & King County urges you to avoid contact with others and get tested immediately. Stay home and away from others while you are waiting for test results.

The new test site is located at Bellevue College, 2645 145th Ave. SE, Bellevue, with the entrance on 148th Ave. SE. Drive-thru and limited walk-up testing is available. The test site is available via the 221, 226, 228, 245, and 271 bus lines.

The test site will be open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Tuesday, Dec. 15. People are strongly encouraged, but not required, to register for a testing appointment. Visit www.ichs.com/free-covid-19-testing/ for scheduling and registration. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/covid/sites to see information on all free test sites, including Bellevue College.

The test site will be operated by International Community Health Services (ICHS) and hosted by Bellevue College, with support from King County and the City of Bellevue.