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North Carolina -- July 19, 2022: In order to deliver free and convenient COVID-19 tests for use at home, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is stepping up its at-home testing
efforts by creating Community Access Points in every county. Home exams can be found beginning July 1 at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/FindTests Since the start of the epidemic, NCDHHS has done their best to provide individuals with the resources they need to safeguard themselves against COVID-19. Unlike when the COVID-19 epidemic first started, home testing are now widely accessible. They are the exam of choice due to their simplicity. As a crucial component of our Moving Forward Together plan, NCDHHS is aiming to highlight at-home testing availability through community distribution sites around the state.
By creating Community Access Points in all counties, NCDHHS will make it easy and free to take these tests. Online registration is available for neighborhood organizations interested in establishing Community Access Points. Covid19.ncdhhs.gov/FindTests has up-to-date information on how and where to find tests in North Carolina.
NCDHHS will continue to operate a few fixed testing facilities that are funded by the state once at-home testing community distribution stations become available. Over the past two years, more than 2.4 million tests have been offered by state-sponsored sites. However, after the Omicron surge, only 6% of all tests reported to NCDHHS are being conducted at state-supported locations. The federal community-based testing program still offers testing at many pharmacies, and many counties and providers will continue to run fixed testing locations.
In counties where vendor-supported testing is necessary to guarantee equal access or where the typical travel distance to a testing site would rise by more than one mile if a vendor were to be eliminated, NCDHHS will keep up the sites. Starting on July 1, covid19.ncdhhs.gov/FindTests will include an ongoing, up-to-date locator tool for all testing locations, including Community Access Points.
Additionally, NCDHHS is still ready to support any necessary increase in testing demand throughout all 100 counties. The department will continue to assess feedback, trends in COVID-19 spread, and respond to them in order to respond to changing demands.
Even if you are up to date on your vaccinations, if you have symptoms or have recently been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, get tested. Five days after your last close touch, get tested. Some persons might undergo testing if their school, place of employment, or travel agency recommended it. Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/FindTests for more details and to find tests (Spanish).
If you test positive, isolate yourself and according to the CDC's isolation instructions. If you notice any warning signals, such as difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right once. Treatments for COVID-19 are available and can reduce your risk of hospitalization or passing away. Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/FindTreatment for more details.
For everyone 6 months of age and older, being current on vaccinations and boosters offers the best protection against COVID-19. By visiting MySpot.nc.gov or calling 888-675-4567, you can locate a vaccination station close to you.
Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington
