Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in The Gorge

MCMC is not a testing site for travel, events or employer testing.

MCMC is seeing an increasing number of people coming into the Emergency Department seeking COVID-19 testing due to exposure or mild symptoms. We are always here for you should you need emergency services; however, for the safety of our patients and care teams, people who are asymptomatic or experiencing very mild symptoms should visit their primary care physician, an urgent or immediate care facility, or a designated outpatient COVID-19 testing area. The MCMC Emergency Department is not a designated COVID-19 testing site.

As always, seek emergency care immediately for symptoms including, but not limited to:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
  • New confusion.
  • High fever.
  • Inability to wake or stay awake.
  • Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds (depending on skin tone).

Where to Get Tested

Below is a list of local testing options. All tests are free to the public, though some entities may bill your insurance if you have it:

  • North Central Public Health District tests anyone who has had an exposure or has symptoms. (No pre- travel testing.) Testing is done Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Call 541-506-2600 to book.
  • One Community Health tests its current patients, as well as Tribal members, seasonal workers and those without insurance or a health provider. Call 541-296-4610
  • Mid-Columbia Medical Center offers tests to current patients who have had an exposure or symptoms. A doctor’s order is required. Testing is done at a drive-through behind the Medical Office Building by the hospital. No pre-travel testing. Wait time is 1-2 days. Patients without a healthcare provider can be seen at MCMC Immediate Care at Water’s Edge. The MCMC emergency room is not a designated outpatient COVID-19 testing site.
  • Walgreen’s schedules rapid testing (24-hour turnaround) and PCR testing (3-7 day turnaround, useable for travel purposes) online at www.walgreens.com or at the Walgreen’s app. The store in The Dalles is not doing rapid tests currently due to lack of supplies. They also sell at-home tests in the store, but they sell out quickly.
  • Safeway, Fred Meyer, Bi-Mart, and Rite-Aid do not offer testing. All except Safeway sell at-home tests but they often sell out quickly. Fred Meyer gets shipments Mondays and Fridays and previously have sold out the same day.

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