More health care providers doing drive-up coronavirus testing

But more health care providers are moving to drive-up testing to meet demand while trying to limit the spread of the virus.

At Preston Medical Associates in Cary, for example, a stop sign is on the front door of the small family practice. Anyone with fever, a cough or trouble breathing is asked to stay outside and call, and a nurse will likely bring the tests out to the parking lot.

"We decided that, in order to assess them without putting our staff at risk and them putting our remaining patients at risk, it would be best to evaluate them outside in the parking lot," she said. "It's a practical thing."

While it may be practical, it's also a challenge, given ongoing swab and equipment shortages.

"We're having to make a priority call based on the patient's need," Peacock said. "Actually, that became a real realization today."

After an examination of the patient outside, she decided to hold off on the coronavirus test and save it for someone more seriously ill.

Another impact of the outbreak is more patients who typically frequent the doctor's office this time of year aren't even showing up.

"Most of those concerns we've had in regards to the mild symptoms, especially with allergens being high in the environment right now, have not been high in the office," she said.

Peacock had at least one positive flu test in the parking lot Wednesday. The coronavirus tests are reserved for people with symptoms who test negative for flu, as well as those who've traveled to a virus hotspot or had known contact with a positive case.

"I've been in practice for 20 years as a nurse practitioner and nearly 30 as a nurse, [and] I have not had this level of concern," she said.