NC Ramping Up Coronavirus Testing, Targeting Underserved Areas

NORTH CAROLINA — As the first phase of easing restrictions begins in North Carolina, state public health officials are expanding novel coronavirus testing into underserved areas of the state, including federally supported sites that will offer free tests at some Walgreens, Walmart and Harris Teeter locations.

As of Friday morning, at least 13,868 people in North Carolina had tested positive for COVID-19, an increase of 471 new cases since Thursday. The death toll also rose by 20 overnight, to 527 deaths, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data.

"As we make decisions and debate issues surrounding this virus, we must realize that each number represents the death of a real person," Gov. Roy Cooper said at a press briefing Friday.

SEE ALSO: Phase 1 Reopening Of North Carolina: 6 Things To Know

According to DHHS, the state had completed 178,613 COVID-19 tests, which represents an increase of 7,285 tests since Thursday.

Last month, North Carolina outlined a goal to increase testing from about 2,500 per day to between 5,000 to 7,000 tests per day, DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said at a press briefing Friday.

"And we've hit our goal," by processing an average of 6,000 tests in seven out of the last 10 days, she said.

"We rank 15th in the nation in total tests completed," Cohen said. "While I think we're on the right track, I am not at all satisfied with where we are. The governor and I want to see more testing across our state, particularly in our underserved communities."

North Carolina has obtained 300,000 testing swabs and 224,000 viral transport media, delivery of which is expected weekly through June. The state is also coordinating with the Federal government and corporate partners to expand testing sites throughout the state, Cohen said.

"Walmart and Walgreens have opened Federally supported testing sites in Durham and Pitt counties this week," she said. Later this month, testing will expand to some Walmart and Harris Teeter locations in Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Guilford, Hoke, Jackson and Wilkes counties.

"The tests at these sites are paid for by federal government so there is no cost for the people getting tests," she said.

"Anyone who needs a test in NC can get one right now," Cohen said.

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Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m., a new modified "Phase 1" stay-at-home order goes into effect in North Carolina that will allow more businesses to reopen, however bars, gyms and salons will remain closed, as will restaurant dining areas. Take out and food delivery will remain open. Retail businesses will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity with frequent cleaning and social distancing requirements. Parks and trails will reopen, too. While mass gatherings will remain limited to no more than 10 people, gatherings will be allowed outdoors.

"And even though today at 5 pm, North Carolina moves into Phase 1, know that the Stay at Home order is still in effect. It's still better to stay home if you can," Cooper said.

Under the new order, face coverings are encouraged for anyone away from their homes, but not required.

However, if residents and businesses do not comply with the recommendations, face mask use could become mandatory Cooper said.

"We want to make sure employees are protected all across our state, and we've had lots of conversations with businesses. I think they know that it is important for them to make sure that their employees are wearing face coverings in order to protect other employees. And I think if we see that this is not being done that we could make this mandatory," Cooper said.

State officials stopped short of making face masks mandatory because they recognize that some may have medical conditions that would make breathing difficult while wearing them, Cohen said.

"It's an act of kindness to your fellow neighbors and to others around you so we hope everyone will be wearing those face coverings," she said.

How well residents are adhering to the new order will be apparent in the number of positive tests, the percent of positive tests and hospitalizations, Cooper said.

"If the people of North Carolina do things to spread more virus and more people get sick, then we'll know that we don't need to go into Phase 2 because evidence will show us otherwise."

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