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Wake County begins requiring appointments for COVID-19 testing

Beginning Dec. 1, Wake County Public Health will move to an appointment-only system at its five drive-thru testing sites.

Posted Updated

By
Kasey Cunningham
, WRAL reporter

Beginning Dec. 1, Wake County Public Health will move to an appointment-only system at its five drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites.

According to officials, the new appointment system will allow the county to prioritize people who are symptomatic, have been exposed to COVID-19 or are at higher risk.

People who need proof of a negative test for work or events will also be prioritized.

Testing will remain no-cost with no ID or insurance required.

People seeking tests must make an appointment by visiting wakegov.com/testing or calling 1-888-675-4567. Thousands of appointments will be available each day.

“This new system will allow them to select a time convenient for them and get in and out without waiting in long lines," said Wake County Chief Medical Officer Dr. José Cabañas.

Appointments will be available in 15-minute intervals from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All sites use self-administered PCR tests, which require people to swab inside their nose. Results are usually returned in less than 24 hours.

Wake County’s testing locations include:

  • Wake County Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina
  • Wake County Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest
  • Wake County Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
  • Vision Church RDU Parking Lot, 5808 Departure Drive, Raleigh
  • Wake County Health & Human Services Center Parking Lot, 2845 Kidd Road, Raleigh
You can find other free testing sites across the state through the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

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