Free COVID-19 Testing Continues at New Park Locations, One Site Shifts Temporarily to Vaccination

PLEASE NOTE: THE PARKS PROGRAM ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing is available at three new park locations through the weekend, with one permanent testing site transforming into a vaccination drive-thru for the next three days. 

Wendell Community Center, at 601 W. 3rd St. in Wendell, has been open to free testing seven days a week, but April 22 through 24 the park site will transform into a free drive-thru vaccination clinic! Appointments for free COVID-19 shots are available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Saturday. Just go to WakeGov.com/vaccine to immediately schedule an appointment. This site will return to testing on Monday, April 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In Wake County, COVID-19 positive cases have been nearly stable - with only a 1% increase in cases comparing March over April.  However, in the last two weeks, Wake County has seen a 9.4% increase in positivity and a 16.4% increase in hospitalizations. The highest positivity rates are in the 25–49 age group. Anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 is urged to get a free test, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection.

The following is a comprehensive list of permanent Wake County Public Health testing locations:

Three local parks will offer free testing weekly from Thursday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in rotating locations. These convenient sites make it easy for people who live in these communities to get tested. All sites are free, and residents do not need an appointment, insurance or ID. sites will offer walk-up testing for anyone who does not have a car.

Park locations for Thursday through Saturday, April 22–25 are:

For the latest testing times and to see all of our locations, check wakegov.com/testing. Use the “< >” symbols to scroll through the days of the week.  

You can find additional testing locations at Test Site Finder on the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services website.

How do we test? Several tents and lanes will be set up in each park, and you’ll pull up to them in your car. Staff will hand you a short swab, and you’ll be asked to circle it around in the lower part of your nose several times. Then, you’ll put the swab in a vial and hand it back to staff.

How do I get my results? You’ll be given a card with information about how to go online or sign up for an email to get your results. Most results return within 24–48 hours.

Department
Health & Human Services
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Press Release