Some struggling to find COVID test appointment before Christmas

Medical experts say now is the time to get tested if you want results back in time, but it's becoming harder for people to even book an appointment. Some residents say they haven't been able to even find a time slot available before Christmas.

Posted 8:27 p.m. Dec 22, 2021 — Updated 11:33 p.m. Dec 22, 2021

Aaron Thomas

, WRAL reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — Before seeing loved ones or traveling this holiday season, health officials recommend everyone involved have proof of a negative COVID test.

Even fully vaccinated and boosted people can catch and spread COVID, so a negative test is an extra layer of security to ensure a safe holiday gathering.

However, some locals are concerned about getting test results back in time for Christmas.

Some of Wake County's COVID testing locations are feeling the increased demand for tests ahead of the holiday.

WRAL News tests the system to search for appointments before Christmas

WRAL News decided to walk through the process of getting an appointment for COVID-19 to see how difficult it is to find a slot before Christmas.

WRAL's Aaron Thomas tried booking an appointment at about 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Because the system prioritizes those who have COVID-like symptoms, he said that he was symptomatic.

He tried three different zip codes – Raleigh, Holly Springs and Zebulon.

Using Raleigh's 27606 zip code, the earliest appointment available was after Christmas, on Monday, Dec. 27.
Using a Holly Springs 27540 zip code, he found an appointment for Thursday, Dec. 23 in Fuquay-Varina.
Using Zebulon's 27597 zip code, he found a Thursday appointment in Wake Forest.

An official with Wake County said it’s possible when using a different zip code, the system picks a closer site with the earliest appointment time. Availabilities at the five sites change constantly in real time as people book, cancel and reschedule appointments.

People who successfully found time slots say it takes luck and persistence.

Wake County has added an additional 2,000 slots this week to help manage the demand.

Alternate places to get COVID-19 testing

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has suggested several other no-cost community testing locations in Wake County.

The following five sites, sponsored by United Providers of Health, offer ongoing PCR tests with results back through email within 24–48 hours.

Boys and Girls Club – 721 N. Raleigh Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27610. Slots open Monday and Friday, noon to 6 p.m.
Care Tax Service – 909 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC 27610. Slots open Monday–Friday, Noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Justice Served – 202 N. Tarboro St., Raleigh, NC 27610. Slots open Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McDonald's (adjacent parking lot) – 830 E. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502. Slots open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Fountain of Raleigh Fellowship – 9621 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. Slots open Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

NCDHHS also promotes Wake Toxicology, which offers drive-thru testing during weekdays and weekends at four locations throughout Wake County. They offer PCR tests with results back in 10–36 hours, as well as rapid anti-gen testing. Preregistration is required. Call 919-399-1215 for more information.

Raleigh – 3804 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27610, Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Raleigh – 8380 Six Forks Road, Ste 201, Raleigh, NC 27615, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cary – 590 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511, Monday–Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wake Forest – 11200 Capital Blvd., Wake Forest, NC 27589, Monday–Saturday, 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At-home testing options

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with NC-based Labcorp, has launched a pilot program to provide 35,000 no-cost, at-home COVID-19 collection kits for North Carolinians

Residents 18 and older can request a test collection kit for themselves online or through several community partner organizations. Parents or guardians of residents under 18 can request a test collection kit for those aged 2-17. More information is available on their website.

Suggest A Correction