As vaccines roll out, fewer people getting tested for coronavirus

As more people get vaccinated against COVID-19, fewer and fewer people in the state and across the country are getting tested.

Posted 10:13 a.m. Mar 29, 2021 — Updated 11:44 a.m. Mar 29, 2021

Nia Harden

, WRAL reporter

As more people get vaccinated against COVID-19, fewer and fewer people in the state and across the country are getting tested.

In January, testing sites across the country completed an average of 1.9 million tests a day. That number dropped to 1.5 million in February and then 1.3 million in March, according to The COVID Tracking Project.

WRAL confirmed fewer people are getting tested in North Carolina even though the process is simple. COVID-19 testing is free and no ID is needed. Now, as testing numbers decrease, there are rarely lines at testing sites. Results are coming back in less than 48 hours -- and sometimes in less than 24.

As more people get vaccinated against COVID-19, fewer and fewer people in the state and across the country are getting tested.

Even as fewer people show up for tests, Wake County keeps expanding its testing sites to make getting a COVID-19 test easy for anyone who wants one.

Why Testing Still Matters

Health leaders say testing is still important so officials can identify trends in communities and help reduce the spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said people who are vaccinated should still get tested if they believe they have COVID-19.

"It's not just about saying, 'Am I sick, do I need to isolate or quarantine, but am I sick, and do I maybe need to modify my behaviors and ensure that those around me who are at risk are still protected," said Ryan Jury with the Wake County Department of Public Health.

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