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Wake County sees 50% decline in COVID-19 tests, operates 6 permanent sites

A spokesperson with Wake County Public Health said, since January, organizers have seen almost a 50% decrease in COVID-19 testing.

Posted Updated

By
Leslie Moreno
, WRAL multimedia journalist
GARNER, N.C. — Wake County is offering plenty of free testing sites despite a decrease in the number of people seeking tests.

A spokesperson with Wake County Public Health said, since January, organizers have seen almost a 50% decrease in COVID-19 testing.

In January, at the height of the pandemic, the county reported over 112,000 tests in a 14-day period. That number decreased to 56,000 in early April. In mid January, about 11% of tests came back positive, officials said. The percent positivity rate was at its lowest in early March -- 4.4% -- and has since increased to 5.5%.

The CDC still recommends anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested regardless of vaccination status or prior infection.

Getting tested is free, painless and easy with often little to no wait time. You can walk up or stay in your car and will use a short swab to take your own sample in each nostril. Results are delivered via text or email in less than 48 hours.

Where to find a COVID-19 test

Six permanent testing locations are open in Wake County. All are free, and no appointments are needed.
Zebulon Community Park
401 S. Arendell Ave., Zebulon

Seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Swinburne Parking Lot
2845 Kidd Road, Raleigh

Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Radeas Labs
907 Gateway Commons Circle, Wake Forest

Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vision Church RDU Parking Lot
5808 Departure Drive, Raleigh

Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wendell Community Park
601 W. 3rd St., Wendell

Seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Southlight Health
2101 Garner Road, Raleigh

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Four local parks are also offering free COVID-19 testing weekly each Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in rotating locations.

Locations for April 15-19 include:

Sanderford Road Park

2623 Sanderford Road, Raleigh, NC 27610

Fleming Loop Park

501 Fleming Loop Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Morrisville Community Park

1520 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560

Thomas Crowder Woodland Center

5611 Jaguar Park Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616

Testing will also be offered on Saturday, April 17, beginning at 10 a.m. at Cary First Christian Church on Evans Road. This event will also feature food distribution and community resources for families.

For the latest testing times and to see all locations, check wakegov.com/testing.

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