Vending machines dispensing free COVID-19 and flu tests have started popping up around Washington state, with more to be installed in the coming weeks.
Why it matters: Testing can help curb the spread of respiratory illness, which public health officials say is important after COVID-19 hospitalizations rose in January and flu-related emergency room visits continue to outpace last year's levels.
The latest: By early April, the state Department of Health expects to have 20 test-dispensing kiosks up and running throughout Washington, spokesperson John Doyle told Axios.
- A machine isn't slated to come to King County at the moment, but local public health officials are exploring whether they can get one, Kate Cole, spokesperson for Public Health – Seattle & King County, told Axios.
State of play: Four vending machines are up and running right now — one in Grays Harbor County, one in Thurston County and two in Pierce County.
- Sixteen more are approved for tribal governments and public health districts throughout the state, including in Whatcom, Snohomish, Skamania, Yakima, Asotin and Okanogan counties.
What they're saying: The vending machine program "ensures Washington communities with underserved populations have easy access to COVID-19 testing and essential health supplies, breaking down barriers to care," Kristina Allen, the state health department's community testing supervisor, said in a news release .
The fine print: The 24-hour-vending machines can hold up to 700 tests, and must be filled at least halfway with flu and COVID-19 tests provided by the state.
- Local officials can add other items, such as the overdose-reversing medication naloxone or pregnancy tests, at their own expense.
Sign up for Axios Seattle for free.
Most Popular
Comments / 0