COVID-19 triage site set up on Bainbridge Island

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CHI Franciscan has set up 11 triage sites to assess possible COVID-19 patients, including one on Bainbridge Island at the Wintergreen Walk commercial center on High School Road and Highway 305.

Franciscan Medical Clinic-Bainbridge Island is located at 1344 Wintergreen Lane NE, where it shares a building with the Virginia Mason Bainbridge Island Medical Center.

CHI Franciscan is asking people who have a fever and cough and are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection to go to a triage site to be assessed.

People who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection include healthcare workers, first responders, nursing home residents, patients with severe lung illness or chronic disease, those who have been exposed to a known COVID-19 patient, pregnant women, and those older than 60 years.

Two other triage centers have been set up in Kitsap County; at Harrison Port Orchard Urgent Care and The Doctors Clinic Ridgetop East-Silverdale.

CHI Franciscan is also offering free urgent care visits for people who have mild COVID-19 symptoms, which include coughing, low-grade fever or mild respiratory problems.

People must register first for a virtual visit, and CHI Franciscan noted that callers may experience longer than usual wait times.

“While this is not ideal, staying at home and waiting is the best way to prevent the spread of illness,” CHI Franciscan said on its website. “Once you have registered for your visit, there is an option to receive a text notification when the provider is ready to see you.”

The fee for an assessment is typically $35, but people can enter a discount code (COVID19) at franciscanvirtualcare.org to have the fee waived.