** June 30, 2022 - we are no longer offering observed tests as Canadian border crossing restrictions became less restrictive. If you need a test to cross, we suggest you contact Oroville Pharmacy or North Valley Hospital.
Have you heard the great news? Canada has changed their COVID-19 travel restrictions and a professionally administered or observed Rapid Antigen Test is now an eligible test for border crossing. Please go to this link for more information on all the requirements: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/wizard-start
As soon as we heard this was happening, we began working on a plan to provide testing for people who are eligible to enter Canada with these new requirements.
** New information 3/17/22- Lakeside Pharmacy now has 2 testing options for people who are traveling.
First option: Observed over the counter test. We now have OTC tests in stock and a staff member will observe you take the test and observe the results. You will receive a form signed by our staff with your name, date of birth, our facility name, address & phone number, test used, test results, date & time test was taken. The cost for the test plus observation is $35. The observed tests are offered on a first come first serve walk in basis Tuesday- Friday 10am-3pm and will be based on test availability. Our first priority is to fill prescriptions for our customers so testing will be done when the pharmacist is available for observation.
Second option: OUT OF STOCK Lakeside Pharmacy is a licensed medical testing site with the state of Washington. These tests are administered & processed by the pharmacy with official lab results reported through Simple Report a United States government website. Lab administered tests will require an appointment and the cost is $45. Our ability to perform lab tests is based on our current supply of tests and our staff availability at Lakeside Pharmacy. So, we will open appointments on a week by week basis. Because testing is dependent on staff availability, tests may be offered on different days each week. This will help us ensure that we can continue to provide our regular services for our customers while also making sure that we have tests in stock and the needed staff when appointments are scheduled. To schedule an appointment, click the link below:
When it is time for your appointment, follow the testing signs to the back of our building and call us to let us know you have arrived (509) 476-4747. You will be asked to pay the testing fee of $45 at the time of the test. We accept cash, check or credit card. Your results will be ready in about 15-30 minutes and we will have a print out ready for you to pick up once results are in our system. When you register, you will also have the option to have your results texted and/or emailed to you once results are entered in SimpleReport, an official COVID-19 reporting site of the United States government.
FAQ
Am I able to schedule an appointment a month out?
At this time, we are posting our lab testing schedule on a weekly basis to ensure that we have tests in stock and appropriate staffing to provide the testing. Test availability has been inconsistent so we do not want to schedule too far in advance and find that we are unable to order more tests. We appreciate your understanding. If you are interested in the observed test, our test supply will dictate walk in availability. We will keep an update on supply status on our website.
2. I don't see any appointments on the day I need to test, can you squeeze me in?
The lab testing schedule posted on the scheduling link shows all openings available and is updated throughout the day. If there are no openings on the calendar for the current week, that means our schedule is booked. Our staff members are busy filling prescriptions and do not control the scheduling platform. All scheduling must be done online. There are certain protocol we are required to follow as a testing site in Washington State and this requires extra behind the scenes work to ensure all reporting requirements are met. We appreciate you understanding that appointments are required and at this time it is not feasible to allow walk-in testing for our lab conducted tests. Please note that professionally observed OTC tests are offered on a first come first serve walk in basis.
3. Where else can I go to get a test?
If you need a test on a Saturday, our sister pharmacy in Tonasket - Whitestone Pharmacy- will offer professionally observed Saturday tests from 10am-2pm. Our staff do not have up to date information on testing capabilities for other facilities. You will need to contact other facilities to request information on their testing availability. At one point, Okanogan County Public Health had up to date testing information on their COVID website, you may be able to find a list of testing facilities on that site.
4. Will this test work for travel?
We recommend each person check with the border they will be crossing to ensure a professionally administered or observed COVID-19 Rapid Antigen is appropriate for the travel they will be doing. A link is posted above with information on Canada's travel requirements. People who receive a test at our facility will have the option to get test results via text, e-mail and/or a printed test result page. This service is provided by SimpleReport, an official COVID-19 reporting site of the United States government. People who have a test professionally observed will receive a form signed by our staff with your name, date of birth, our facility name, address & phone number, test used, test results, date & time test was taken.