Wake County Moving to Appointment-Only System at COVID-19 Testing Locations

Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 1 Wake County Public Health will require appointments at its COVID-19 drive-thru testing locations. This new process will allow the county to prioritize residents who are symptomatic, have been exposed to COVID-19 or are at higher risk. Testing will remain no-cost.

To make an appointment, residents will need to fill out a brief online form at WakeGov.com/testing or call 1-888-675-4567. Residents can use the online scheduler starting Monday, Nov. 29, to make appointments for Dec. 1 and later.

The appointment-only system will allow Wake County to reserve timeslots for people who are testing because they:

  • Currently have symptoms;
  • Have been exposed to someone with COVID-19;
  • Are at a high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms if infected;
  • Or are required to for employment or to attend a concert or other event.
     

No matter the reason for needing a test, Wake County Public Health will still offer thousands of appointments per day across county locations. No ID or insurance is required.

“Wake County wants to ensure that those who may have had an exposure or are at-risk of the virus have a way to get tested quickly and efficiently,” said Wake County Chief Medical Officer Dr. José Cabañas. “This new system will allow them to select a time convenient for them and get in and out without waiting in long lines.”

Appointments will be available in 15-minute intervals from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. The service remains no-cost, but people must follow a two-step process to claim their spot:

  • Step 1: Complete the registration form.
  • Step 2: Select the available time slot and location that works best for their schedule.
     

All sites use self-administered PCR tests, which are painless and require people to swab just inside their nose. Results are usually returned in 12–24 hours or less.

Wake County’s testing locations are:

  • 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
     

In addition to Wake County testing sites, several community partners are offering fast, convenient COVID-19 testing. To find a testing site near you, go to Find My Testing Place | NC COVID-19 (ncdhhs.gov).

Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are also available. The kit is sent via FedEx overnight shipping with results usually within 1–2 days after the sample arrives at the lab.

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