PORTLAND, Ore. — People wanting to get tested for COVID-19 have another option. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced on Friday that drive-through testing is available at Walgreens in Hillsboro.
Increased testing capacity is one of the governor’s major prerequisites before she begins lifting economic and social restrictions in the state.
“One step at a time, we are making progress towards the day when we can begin to reopen our communities and safely return to public life,” Gov. Brown said in a press release.
The drive-through testing is available by appointment only. Prior to making an appointment, people must complete an online health assessment on the Walgreens website. They must also meet federal and state eligibility requirements for COVID-19 testing.
Earlier this week, the Oregon Health Authority issued new guidelines for COVID-19 testing, which expanded the pool of Oregonians eligible to get tested to include people with mild symptoms, and in specific circumstances, people without symptoms. The new guidance came after it was discovered thousands of tests were sitting aside being unused.
The tests will be available at no cost to people who qualify for it, the governor’s office said.
Drive-through testing will be conducted outside. People getting tested won’t need to leave their vehicles.
Results should come within 24 hours.
