For immediate release: September 9, 2022 (22-136)
Contact: DOH Communications
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has announced updated guidance on home testing for COVID-19, including changes to how self-test results should be reported and additional information about treatment for COVID-19. 19. The complete guideline is available on the DOH website.
As part of the updated guidelines, Washingtonians are now required to report all positive test results at home through the Say Yes! The digital assistant of the COVID test, even if those test kits were not received through Say Yes! The COVID Test Program (SYCT). Previously, those wishing to report positive test results were directed to contact the Washington State DOH COVID-19 hotline. While the hotline will remain in service, its primary focus is shifting to Care Connect Services providing additional support to those in need who have recently tested positive.
While the White House recently announced a pause to the federal program that previously offered free home COVID-19 tests, Say Yes! The COVID test program continues to offer up to 10 free tests to Washington households each month on a first-come, first-served basis. Say yes! The COVID Test Program recently celebrated surpassing 10 million tests distributed across the state since the program began in January 2022. New test allocations are available at the beginning of each month and can be ordered at Say Yes! Home test site for COVID.
“The availability and widespread use of rapid home tests helped Washingtonians take quick action to seek treatment for themselves and protect others from infection in the wake of the more transmissible subvariants of COVID-19,” said Lacy Fehrenbach, Chief of Prevention, Safety and Health. “We encourage every family to have tests at home as school starts and the fall respiratory virus season approaches. By reporting results through the SYCT digital assistant, Washingtonians can help public health understand the burden and trajectory of infections in Washington State.
Washingtonians who have tested positive for COVID-19 and need help with isolation, such as food, personal care kits or other needs, can still contact the WA DOH COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-525- 0127 report the positive test result and ask to speak to Care Connect or contact a Care Connect centre. Those who do not need additional assistance should continue to report positive cases through the SYCT portal.
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