By Kate Manzanares, Puyallup Tribal Member
The Puyallup Tribe will offer free COVID-19 testing for its government employees and Tribal members on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Walk-up or drive-thru testing will be available from 10 a.m. to noon for Tribal government/Admin employees. Drive-thru only testing will be available for all Tribal members from noon to 3 p.m.
The tests will involve a nasal swab, and be conducted by the Department of Emergency Management Mobile COVID-19 Testing Operations. Results will be available within 48 hours for positive cases, and 72 hours for negative cases.
As always, staying home is the best way to keep yourself and others healthy.
Testing clinic timed with reopening of Tribal buildings
Native Americans and people of color are part of the high-risk community for COVID-19. The Puyallup Tribal community has experienced a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
Last month, Tribal Administration learned of several employees testing positive for COVID-19. To protect employees and the community and limit potential spread of the virus, all Tribal government buildings were closed through Sept. 8, with employees working remotely as much as possible.
Although government buildings reopen next week, employees will continue to conduct much of their business over email and telephone, and take other steps to help prevent spreading the virus.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, or loss of taste or smell, you should get tested for COVID-19.
