Vancouver, Clark County to close Tower Mall COVID-19 testing site April 30Free

Clark County and the city of Vancouver announced Thursday that they will close the free COVID-19 testing site at Tower Mall in Vancouver on April 30, possibly opening the door for expanded vaccinations at the site.

The Tower Mall Community Testing Site has administered more than 10,000 free COVID-19 tests since the site opened Jan. 12, according to the announcement.

The site, 5403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., had been opened to address a critical need for testing, but that need has eased as other testing sites came on line in Clark County, prompting the decision to close the testing site and focus on increasing capacity for vaccination efforts.

Tower Mall will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination by appointment. Additional days of operation, including the possibility evening hours, are being considered. Staff currently working at the testing site will be transferred to the vaccine site or return to their previous roles working in Vancouver Parks and Recreation.

The Tower Mall COVID-19 Community Testing Site will continue to operate 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through April 30. Visit www.ClarkCountyCOVIDtesting.org to pre-register for a test.

“While COVID-19 vaccination has become the focus across the country, testing continues to be an important tool for slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “We encourage anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or who has been in close contact with someone who tests positive to seek testing at another local testing site.”

Information about other free and low cost COVID-19 testing locations in Clark County is available on the Public Health website or by calling 888-225-4625, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.