Wake to require appointments for COVID tests. Here’s a look at cases in the Triangle
Wake County will soon require appointments for drive-thru COVID-19 testing, as the virus continues to spread across the region.
The appointments will go into effect Dec. 1, according to a Wake County Public Health news release Thursday.
The county said the change would allow it to prioritize residents who are symptomatic, have been exposed to the virus or are at higher risk from it.
Wake officials added it would allow the county to reserve slots for people who are required to get tested by their jobs or by event venues.
Tests will remain free, and residents do not have to bring an ID or insurance, the county said.
Those seeking to make an appointment will need to fill out a form at WakeGov.com/testing, or call 888-675-4567.
The online scheduling system will open Monday, Nov. 29 for appointments beginning Dec. 1, and appointments will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“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,” Chief Medical Officer José Cabañas said in the release. “This new system will allow them to select a time convenient for them and get in and out without waiting in long lines.”
The county offers drive-thru testing at the following locations:
- Wake County Southern Regional Center at 130 N. Judd Parkway NE in Fuquay-Varina
- Wake County Northern Regional Center at 350 East Holding Ave. in Wake Forest
- Wake County Eastern Regional Center at 1002 Dogwood Drive in Zebulon
- Vision Church RDU Parking Lot at 5808 Departure Drive in Raleigh
- Wake County Health & Human Services Center Parking Lot at 2845 Kidd Road in Raleigh
The county’s appointment scheduling change comes as COVID-19 vaccine booster shots may soon be eligible for all adults.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel will meet Friday to discuss expanding the eligibility for booster doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Pfizer has also requested authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What are COVID rates, transmission in the Triangle?
Here’s a look at the latest COVID-19 data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for Wake, Durham and Orange counties, as of Nov. 18.
The CDC measures community transmission as low, moderate, substantial and high.
Wake County
- Cases over the past 14 days: 2,234
- Cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days: 201
Percent of tests returning positive: 3.2%
- Percent of population at least partially vaccinated: 72%
- Percent of population fully vaccinated: 67%
Total deaths: 899
- CDC community transmission level: High
Durham County
- Cases over the past 14 days: 502
- Cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days: 156
Percent of tests returning positive: 3.5%
- Percent of population at least partially vaccinated: 70%
- Percent of population fully vaccinated: 65%
- Total deaths: 262
- CDC community transmission level: Substantial
Orange County
- Cases over the past 14 days: 202
- Cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days: 136
Percent of tests returning positive: 1.9%
- Percent of population at least partially vaccinated: 76%
- Percent of population fully vaccinated: 71%
- Total deaths: 110
CDC community transmission level: Substantial
This story was originally published November 18, 2021 at 5:07 PM.