Drive-thru COVID-19 testing site opens at PNC Arena

A new COVID-19 testing site opens at PNC Arena in Raleigh on Friday, and although Wake County's testing sites are closed for New Year's Eve, there are plenty of other options in the Triangle.

Posted 10:30 a.m. Dec 31, 2021 — Updated 10:21 p.m. Dec 31, 2021

Aaron Thomas & Lora Lavigne

, WRAL reporters

RALEIGH, N.C. — A new COVID-19 testing site opened at PNC Arena in Raleigh on Friday to help with the high demand. Wake County's testing sites were closed for New Year's Eve, but there were plenty of other options in the Triangle.

The mass testing site was opened from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Pre-register here. However, as of closing time at 4 p.m., there were still people waiting in line to get tested. Officials assured anyone in line by 4 p.m. would get their test.

North Carolina recorded its highest daily case count yet on Friday. Many people are hoping to get tested after holiday gatherings – or ahead of returning to work.

The state Department of Health and Human Services reported nearly 20,000 new coronavirus cases on Thursday — the highest ever seen.

Wake County partnered with the state to open the mass test site after cars waited in line for hours this week at Wake County Public Health's five testing sites. On Thursday morning, all same-day appointments for the day were booked, and Wake County said appointments for Saturday are already taken.

With nearly 20,000 new COVID cases, NC reports record high for second day in a row

Although First Night festivities are being held in downtown Raleigh with precautions, Dr. Cameron Wolfe from Duke Health is encouraging people to rethink New Year's Eve plans, especially if it involves being in a crowd.

COVID-19 testing options available on NYE

A drive-thru test site will open at PNC Arena from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Pre-registration is required, but appointments are not necessary.

Delays in COVID testing keep multiple local businesses closed

The state Department of Health and Human Services website has a Find My Testing Place tool, which lists sites with Friday availability.

Other locations open on New Year's Eve in Wake County are listed below. Pre-registration at the provided links is required.

Wake County COVID-19 test sites reopen Saturday

Wake County is operating a total of five testing sites on New Year's Day, but appointments are already booked.

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 another option by visiting dozens of other free testing sites open in the Triangle and across the state. This will also help you avoid lines. Some sites, like the Word of God Church on Rock Quarry Road, are far less busy than those offered through Wake County.

NC's at-home COVID-19 test kits won't be mailed out until after the new year

The church is only minutes away from the Kidd Road site, and no appointment is needed. Results won't come back as quickly, though, in 24 hours instead of 12.

You can avoid leaving home altogether and order a free COVID-19 test kit online, although the kits won't be mailed out until Jan. 2.

When should I get tested?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control said when you should get tested depends on if you were exposed to the virus and if you're showing symptoms.

Those who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 should get tested 5-7 days after their last exposure to the virus.

Not so fast: Those wanting a post-holidays COVID-19 test should wait at least 5 days, experts say

But, the CDC said people who are not fully vaccinated should get tested immediately when they find out they were in close contact with the virus. If the test comes back negative, an unvaccinated person should get re-tested 5-7 days later or immediately if COVID-19 symptoms start to develop.

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