MSD opens COVID testing site

The testing site for children and parents will provide rapid tests and PCR rests

The Marysville School District is hosting a new COVID-19 rapid testing site that opened on Nov. 15 for parents and children.

The testing site is at the Marysville School District’s Educational Service Center at 4220 80th Street NE, Marysville.

They provide rapid testing from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. PCR tests, which do not have immediate results but are the most accurate, are also available during the same time, except for Fridays when those tests will only be available until 1 p.m.

The district is a participant in the state’s “Learn to Return” program to help provide the new site.

“They will be supplying us with the kits for rapid testing and for PCR testing,” said Tracy Souza, director of COVID-19 Health, Safety and Well-Being. “I think this is a good idea because it is bringing that resource to our community of parents here."

The new site is meant to be more convenient for parents.

“Every school has rapid testing on site as well, but this will offer those who can’t make it to a school,” said Souza.

The rapid testing helps give some piece of mind to parents instead of having to wait for results at some other sites.

“Our parents appreciate the ability to get the results right there,” said Souza. “If they have children with symptoms they can come down for testing and get the results within 15 minutes,” she said."

Those who test positive will be asked to get the PCR test as well, which usually requires going elsewhere.

“So now parents don’t have to go to their medical provider to get that test,” said Souza.

Instead the results go the lab and are then sent directly to the parents.

“We’re really excited to be able to offer those tests here,” said Souza.

Appointments for the testing site can be made by calling 360-965-0081 or by emailing [email protected] but appointments are not required.

“If they want to make an appointment, they can, but they can also just show up,” said Souza. “There might be a little wait time for those that don’t make an appointment, but we certainly won’t turn anyone away."

The testing site has been going well so far and it has been busy and well used since it opened on Nov. 15, said Souza.

Souza expects the testing site to remain open for a while.

“It will be open as long as needed and as long as we have the supplies for it,” she said.