The Malheur County COVID-19 Taskforce is offering COVID-19 testing to individuals who meet specific criteria at the Malheur County Fairgrounds (795 NW 9th St, Ontario) on the first Wednesday of June, July and August, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dates are June 3^rd, July 1^st, and August 5^th.

The next drive up testing sites in Ontario:

• Wednesday, June 3^rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairgrounds
• Wednesday, July 1^st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairgrounds
• Wednesday, August 5^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairgrounds

The Taskforce is led by Lieutenant Rich Harriman and supported by staff from the Health Department, Environmental Health, Ambulance Service District, Planning, Surveying and several community agencies. The tests are supplied from the Oregon Office of Emergency Management through the state’s contract with Quest Diagnostics.

There was a delay in results being delivered to the Malheur County Health Department from the Quest lab used previously at testing sites in Nyssa and Vale. We have been assured that the specimens collected at the testing sites going forward will go to a lab in Seattle where there will be a much quicker turn around. We hope to call each person tested with results within 5 days.

Eligibility

Testing at the Malheur Drive-Up Testing Sites is only for individuals who live or work in Malheur County. A person qualifies for testing if they have one primary symptom ortwo secondary symptoms.

Primary Symptoms

• Cough
• Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing

Secondary Symptoms 

• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

This testing option is not meant to replace or eliminate other testing offered by local healthcare providers. The goal is to supplement those options in order to ease some of the pressure on the existing system and make the process more accessible to the public. People still should contact their medical provider for guidance and assessment if they have symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. For medical emergencies, they should call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you may have COVID-19.

Procedure

Upon arrival at the Malheur County Fairgrounds testing site, individuals will be required to remain in their vehicles at all times. Each driver should drive cautiously and follow traffic directions. Testing is limited to four individuals per vehicle, and those individuals must be seated at a seat with a working window. You will be required to complete a screening form, which includes where you live and work, high risk factors, and a release of liability. All forms and service available in English and Spanish.

Personnel in full medical protective gear will check the individual’s temperature with a no-touch thermometer and use a swab to obtain the necessary sample from the individual’s nose. If you do not meet the testing criteria, you will be diverted back to your residence to monitor symptoms and contact your local healthcare provider.

Additional information on COVID-19 and the testing sites is available by calling the Malheur County Health Department at 541-889-7279.