There will be free community-based COVID-19 testing this weekend at Olympic Stadium, the county incident management team announced Friday. Testing is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Using federal CARES Act coronavirus relief funds, Grays Harbor Emergency Management acquired community based testing equipment, which allows the team to perform the testing itself, rather than the National Guard testing previously used by the county. This weekend’s testing will be staffed by Grays Harbor County Public Health and local volunteers.

Public Health Director Karolyn Holden announced the purchase of the testing equipment in mid-November.

“We purchased a trailer and equipment so we can stand up that kind of testing process in our communities if needed without having to take on National Guard resources, which are in high demand all over the state,” she said. At the time, she said demand for mass testing would determine the timing of such local testing with the local resources.

Holden explained then the “ceiling” for positive tests among tests administered is 2%. “If the positivity rate is higher perhaps that suggests we’re still not getting the people in who need to be tested in order to provide us with a full picture,” she said in November. The previous National Guard testing improved the testing rate and lowered the positivity rate for the county “substantially,” she added.

There are no restrictions to be tested for COVID-19 during this community based testing. This testing site is open to anyone who needs or wants a COVID-19 test. People under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult. A valid phone number and address will be necessary; however, no identification is required. No questions regarding immigration status will be asked. There are no public restrooms at test site locations. Support for testing is available in both English and Spanish. This site will be both drive-through and walk-up with no appointment required.

If you’re interested in volunteering at the testing site, contact the county’s bilingual call center at 360-964-1850. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grays Harbor COVID-19 updates, including current case counts, are available at healthygh.org.