State launches at-home rapid COVID-19 test portal

In an effort to increase access to at-home rapid tests across the state, the Washington State Department of Health has launched a statewide portal that will allow COVID-19 tests to ship directly to households.

Washington state residents can now visit www.sayyescovidhometest.org to order rapid-antigen COVID tests online, and will receive those tests delivered at no cost. People can order up to five free tests for a household. Supply will be limited at first, however, and will restock as more become available.

People can still get COVID-19 tests through any of the following options:

• Order free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal program COVIDtests.gov.

• Purchase an at-home test at local retailers and pharmacies.

• For residents with health insurance, most insurers will now directly cover or reimburse up to eight at-home tests per month, for each person on a plan.

• Find a test at a nearby testing location.

It is possible to report a positive test result from an at-home test through the state’s COVID-19 hotline. Hotline personnel will determine next steps based on a resident's zip code so results can be recorded and reported. Staff can also guide callers through any questions they may have. The state hotline, 1-800-525-0127 (then press #), is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Language assistance is available.

DOH encourages all smartphone users to download or enable WA Notify, https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/WANotify, for exposure notifications and to plug in positive results. Those using WA Notify at the time they test positive for COVID-19 can record their positive test results directly from their devices.

It is important to note that Washington is experiencing a surge of cases across the state, so if people who have symptoms should assume they have COVID-19 even if they don’t have a test to confirm it, and stay home if sick.

To find testing sites in Pierce County, visit https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/diseases/covid-19/testing-information#mobile.