PITTSBORO, NC – The Chatham County Public Health Department is working with StarMed Healthcare and the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) to host two weekly and recurring COVID-19 testing events in Chatham County as the public health department continues to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
StarMed will offer nasal swab PCR tests for no cost and optional rapid blood antibody tests for $50 at each. Testing events will be held the following days and location, beginning Thursday, October 22nd:
- Mondays (beginning October 26th): 12:30-4:30 p.m., Chatham Central High School, 14950 N.C. Highway 902, Bear Creek (PDF flyers: English, Español)
- Thursdays (next event October 22nd): 12:30-4:30 p.m., Northwood High School, 310 Northwood High School Road, Pittsboro (PDF flyers: English, Español)
The PCR test tells individuals whether they currently have COVID-19. These tests are available at no cost to individuals and are covered either by their insurance or NC DHHS through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Results are sent in three days on average via text message and/or e-mail.
The rapid blood antibody test tells individuals whether they have been infected with COVID-19 in the past. Results will be available within 15 minutes of being administered. Individuals are charged $50 for antibody tests at the time of testing.
Text the word “COVID” to (704) 850-6996 to pre-register and complete your virtual visit to reduce wait time for testing. Patients can also register onsite and be screened by a provider.
“We are grateful for this partnership with NC DHHS and StarMed to expand no-cost COVID-19 testing in Chatham County. Testing is an important component of our response efforts, and this initiative complements other testing options in our community,” said Mike Zelek, Chatham County Interim Public Health Director. “I have participated in one of these testing events myself, and encourage residents, particularly those who have been exposed to the virus or have symptoms, to take advantage of these resources and get tested.”
In addition to testing, the Chatham County Public Health Department urges all to continue to consistently practice the 3 Ws: Wear a face covering, wait six feet apart from others and wash your hands often.
“Just last week, our state hit record highs in the number of new daily cases. This is very concerning, but we have the tools to keep ourselves healthy while doing the activities we enjoy: Practice the 3 Ws, get tested and stay home if you are ill or have been exposed to the virus, and get your flu shot,” added Zelek.
A full list of Chatham County’s testing sites, along with information on the types of COVID-19 tests, the role of contact tracing and more resources, can be found online at chathamnc.org/coronavirustesting. Learn more about Chatham County’s response to the coronavirus pandemic in English at chathamnc.org/coronavirus, in Spanish at chathamnc.org/coronavirusespanol and facebook.com/chathamhealth.