Want a COVID test before New Year’s? Where and how to get one in the Triangle.

After last weekend’s Christmas and Hanukkah gatherings, and in preparation for this weekend’s New Year’s Eve bashes, UNC medical experts are stressing the importance of testing for COVID-19 and the flu.

During this season’s “tripledemic” — COVID-19, influenza and RSV hitting hard all at the same time — doctors are urging people to test as soon as they develop cold symptoms or wrap up large gatherings. This is especially important for those who are unvaccinated, over the age of 65 or have underlying health conditions, as COVID and flu treatments only work their best in a short window of time.

“We always see surges in these viruses after the holidays. We did after Thanksgiving, and we will in the days after Christmas and New Year’s,” Dr. David Weber, associate chief medical officer at UNC Medical Center and medical director of UNC’s Department of Infection Prevention, told The News & Observer this week. “We have therapies for COVID — the biggest risk right now — and for the flu. Make sure you know which virus you have so you can get the right treatment.”

We’ve broken down ways to find tests and community events across the Triangle, along with ways to get tested at home. The NC Department of Health and Human Services has a complete list of testing and vaccine resources online. Information is also available in Spanish.

Here’s what you need to know:

How to find a COVID-19 testing site

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has a regularly updated map on its website with information about no-cost test sites across the state.

Visit the website at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/FindTests.

Here’s how to find one a COVID test near you:

1. Enter a ZIP code or city in the upper-left search bar.

2. Filter your results to the kind of test you’d like. The options are on-site, at-home, on-site testing, PCR and free. You are able to choose more than one, which you can do by clicking the options underneath the search bar.

3. Zoom in on the map, using the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons on the upper-right side of the map, to find a location closest to you. To get more information (such as the address, website, phone number and testing details), you can click on the pinpoint on the map.

4. You can scroll down the list of testing options on the left-hand side of the screen. For more information and to see the testing site on the map, click on the name of the testing center.

Here are some important details from DHHS:

• Hours and availability can change.

• Be sure to call or make an appointment before heading over.

• You should bring identification just in case, though it’s not required to get a test.

• Wear a mask when you go to get tested, especially if you feel sick.

Wake County resumes drive-through COVID tests

Wake County is offering free, drive-through COVID-19 and flu testing on select days during the holiday season, through a partnership with Mako Medical, Wake spokesperson Leah Holdren said.

All locations, hours of operation and details can be found at wakegov.com/covid-19-information. Here are the sites and upcoming hours:

▪ Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church: Wake partnered with Mako Medical to provide free, drive-through testing for COVID and/or flu.

• 200 High Meadow Drive, Cary. This site is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3 and Thursday, Jan. 5.

• Results are normally back between one to two days, Holdren said.

• Pre-registration online is recommended.

▪ Radeas Laboratories: No appointments, pre-registration or out-of-pocket costs.

• 907 Gateway Commons Circle, Wake Forest. This site is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• 9305 Leesville Road, Raleigh. This site is open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Free at-home COVID tests in Wake, Durham, Orange

Wake County:

Wake County Public Health is offering free, at-home COVID-19 antigen tests at a number of locations. Just stop by during business hours and pick up test kits for you or your family. The number of tests per kit varies, so make sure you’re getting enough.

All locations and hours of operation can be found at wakegov.com/covid-19-information. Here’s where you can get free at-home antigen tests as of Dec. 29:

• Wake County Southern Regional Center: 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

• Wake County Northern Regional Center: 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

• Wake County Eastern Regional Center: 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m..

• Wake County Western Health & Human Services Center: 111 James Jackson Ave., Cary. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Wake County Health & Human Services Center at Departure: 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh. Open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Wake County Health & Human Services Swinburne Building: 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

• Wake County Public Health Center: 10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh. 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Durham County:

The Durham County Department of Public Health offers free at-home COVID-19 tests kits for pickup during business hours. You don’t need to be a Durham resident to pick up a test, and insurance and identification is not required.

All information is available at dconc.gov. Here’s where you can get free at-home tests as of Dec. 29:

• The Durham County Health and Human Services Building: Pick them up at the screening window at the front entrance, located at 414 E. Main St., Durham. You can pick up Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., then Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Orange County:

The Orange County Public Library in Hillsborough offers free at-home COVID-19 test kits for pickup during business hours while supplies last. You don’t need to be an Orange resident to pick up a test, and insurance and identification is not required.

• Main Library in downtown Hillsborough: Pick them up at the library’s main entrance, located at 137 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough. Business hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Talk to your health care provider

Your regular health care provider may also offer testing. Contact your provider for details.

Pick up an at-home testing kit from your pharmacy, online

Check out The N&O’s guide to at-home testing to learn more about where to buy kits, how to use them and how accurate they are.

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