Kiosks for free Covid and flu tests unveiled this week in Washington state

February 08, 2024 / 6:24 pm

caption: A prototype for a kiosk that dispenses Covid and flu tests, which will be available in Washington state. Two appear to already be available in Spanaway.

Washington state unveiled kiosks for free Covid and flu tests this week.

The kiosks, launched with tribal nations, will be available 24/7 at malls, food banks, transit stations, churches, schools, and libraries, according to a press release from the Department of Health.

Seventeen kiosks have been ordered so far across Washington state. A website showed that two kiosks are currently open in Spanaway.

According to the health department statement, “Kiosks make it possible to access health care tests and supplies at the push of a button in accessible locations.”

The kiosks will dispense free Covid rapid tests, Covid PCR tests, and tests that detect the flu. Each kiosk holds about 700 tests, according to the state.

Tribal nations may choose to add naloxone, pregnancy tests and other medical products.

"Rapid testing is part of our new normal," said Kristina Allen, Community Testing Supervisor, according to the statement.

Correction 2/15/2024: A previous version of this story included an incorrect photo caption.