Millions being spent to try and keep up with COVID testing supplies across NC

"We are working to make testing more available in the community," said Susan Kansagra, the acting senior deputy director for the state Division of Public Health. "We certainly know there has been national strain on the testing supplies across the country."

"We are expecting for the next several weeks and several months, that the marketplace availability of at-home tests is going to increase," said Kansagra.

Meanwhile, the state is spending millions to keep their supplies up.

Nash County was completely out of testing supplies from the state last week, according to Nash County health director Bill Hill. But, something happened after WRAL News aired a story about the depleted supplies. The local hospital stepped in and promised 500 COVID-19 test kits for the health department.

Already, Hill said the health department has been through more than half of those tests.

"We are in hopes we will receive some test kits very soon," said Hill.

What to do if you're exposed to COVID-19, test positive or just feel sick

Demand for COVID tests has increased with the spread of the virus all across the state.

"We are still in the fight," said Durham County Department of Public Health director Rodney Jenkins. "Some public health departments, like Durham, have had to go to the private market."

But there is another concern, as well.

"[It's] not just testing but staff. COVID has wreaked havoc on the health care workforce," he said.

The good news, Jenkins said, is that the county has enough testing supply to open two large testing sites in Durham County. Jenkins is also working to get tests to vulnerable populations, including long-term care facilities and schools.

In a visit to Kinston, state Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley said the department is pressing suppliers for more tests.

Local pharmacist warns of fraudulent COVID-19 testing kits

"We are looking under every rock, going to every vendor nationally [and] internationally. This is a very competitive international market," said Kinsley.

They're having some luck —in recent days, DHHS announced more than a million tests coming to the state.

"Today, we spent nearly $200 million getting tests into North Carolina," Kinsley said on Thursday.