With thousands marching in protest through the Seattle streets each day, it’s easy to forget about the global pandemic that we’re still enduring.
Although the first case of COVID-19 in Washington appeared this February, the virus is very much still active around the state. It’s important for all Seattleites to continue flattening the curve by physical distancing and wearing face masks whenever possible.
Seattle and King County Public Health Officials are also recommending that anyone with symptoms or who has been in protests lately be tested right away. “If you attended recent protests, you should assume you have been exposed. You are strongly urged to get tested for COVID-19, even if you are not showing symptoms,” says the webpage of Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan.
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Health Officer for Public Health in Seattle & King County Dr. Jeff Duchin has previously stated that testing is important to “ensure timely medical care when necessary and to stop COVID-19 from spreading” by allowing those who test positive and their close contacts to quickly separate themselves from others in their households and communities.
Where to get tested
Those looking for free coronavirus testing can now visit two sites in Seattle, one at 12040 Aurora Avenue N, and the other in SODO at 3820 6th Avenue South. Both are made available through a partnership with King County and UW Medicine. Appointments are necessary and can be made online or by phone at 206-684-2489.
Additional coronavirus testing can be conducted through primary care providers; however, those who don’t have a provider who administers the test can call the King County COVID-19 call center at 206-477-3977 to locate a test site.
Health officials say that the most concerning symptoms are cough or shortness of breath, but anyone with two or more of the following symptoms should also be evaluated for a test: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell.