After full stadiums and packed beaches, health experts worry about potential post-holiday COVID surge

This weekend featured packed beaches, full football stadiums and crowded airports. all of which could mean a COVID-19 case surge, when infection rates are already high.

Wake County and medical professionals are expecting long lines at COVID-19 testing sites in the coming days.

Lots of people found themselves either traveling, attending football games, enjoying family cookouts or heading out to bars and restaurants.

With that comes the concern they were exposed to COVID-19.

Some people kept their six feet of space, while others were closer to their friends and family this holiday weekend.

"I will go get tested," said Michelle Moore in Raleigh. "Just to make sure, it’s just a level of comfort."

That leads to a COVID-19 testing site along with many others concerned they were possibly exposed.

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One expert feels a spike in cases is probable.

"More than likely, we will see a surge like we have in the past, it's unfortunately just the nature of how the infection spreads," said Ritesh Patel, Pharmacy Director at Eastern Carolina Medical Center.

The biggest concern for a surge is the maskless crowds.

"Being out and about safely is always going to be fine," said Patel. "I think it’s when you’re in a crowd and you don’t have a mask on."

“I think it’s most of our anticipation that we will go past our hospitalization numbers for January," Dr. Wolfe said. "It’s going to make September the worst that we’ve seen at any point in the pandemic.”

If you think you were exposed, you should get tested, When is the best time for a test?

"I would say the best time for most probably, is to check within a 3-to-5 day window and obviously if they get symptomatic, earlier on," Patel said.

Meaning you should schedule a test on Tuesday if you were exposed Friday, but wait a few more days If you went somewhere today or yesterday.

"It's a nice weekend and I really enjoyed it," Moore said. "But you still have in the back of my head, 'oh boy should I be worried?'"

If you need a test in Wake County, testing sites will be reopen after the Labor Day closure Tuesday at 7 a.m.

In Johnston County, the testing sites will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.