​Mecklenburg's Free Coronavirus Testing Weekend Starts Saturday

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NC — The Mecklenburg County Public Health department this weekend will offer free coronavirus testing to anyone who meets certain risk factors of having been exposed to the virus.

In partnership with Mako Medical, the health department will provide testing from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Valerie C. Woodard Center on Freedom Drive.

Testing will be offered on a walk-up and drive-thru basis, the health department said in a release. To be tested, one must enter through the Ashley Road entrance, the county said.

Testing will be offered to people who meet any of the following criteria:

Have COVID-19 symptoms

Have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19

Be at a higher risk of COVID-19 based on health conditions or workplace

Have recently attended a large gathering or protest

Testing will be provided to those who bring a photo ID and insurance card, if applicable. The county said no one will pay out-of-pocket to be tested, but insurance companies will be billed for the test for those who are insured.

Those hoping to be tested are required to wear a cloth face covering at the testing site.

The county urges anyone hoping for a test to contact their doctor or the Mecklenburg County Public Health's COVID-19 help line at 980-314-9400. Information about COVID-19 in the county is also posted on the county's website.