As COVID cases continue to surge in Northeast Washington and hospitalizations within the region have increased, the same message is being echoed by hospitals: please only go to the emergency room if it is a true medical emergency. If you have mild symptoms or are looking for a COVID test, please avoid the ER and find an alternate option for testing.
To assist with the difficulty experienced in locating COVID testing over the last several months in our tri county area, Northeast Tri County Health District (NETCHD) just received over 10,000 rapid at-home tests that will be distributed to Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens County residents. With the help of our community partners to reach more of our remote areas, a limited supply of test kits will also be available at many local libraries in all three counties (call ahead to check availability and required safety protocols for test kit pick up).
NETCHD will be offing free rapid at-home test kits and high-quality masks (KN95 & N95), while supplies last, at each of our three locations using curbside pickup. Please do not enter our building when seeking tests. You will stay in your vehicle and we will provide 2 rapid at-home test kits (4 tests) along with additional information and available resources for services if you do test positive.
NETCHD hours and locations for curbside test kit pick up are:
Republic Office: 147 N. Clark, Suite 1
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am to 4:00pm (closed from 12:00pm-12:30pm)
Friday: 8:00am to 10:30am
Newport Office: 605 Hwy 20
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am to 4:00pm (closed from 12:00pm-12:30pm)
Friday: 8:00am to 10:30am
Colville Office: 240 E. Dominion
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am to 4:00pm (closed from 12:00pm-12:30pm)
Friday: 8:00am to 10:30am
Vaccines remain our best protection against preventing severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. If you have not already received your COVID vaccine or are eligible for your BOOSTER dose, please visit our website at www.netchd.org to schedule an appointment or find a vaccine provider near you.
