GREENSBORO, N.C. — A new mass COVID-19 testing site is opening at the Greensboro Collesium Complex, along with opportunities for vaccinations.
TESTING INFORMATION
- Begins Saturday, Jan. 8, and runs through Friday, Jan. 21
- Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- No appointment needed, but you can register here.
- Go to Piedmont Hall on the coliseum grounds.
VACCINE CLINICS
- Saturday, Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Register here.
- Go to the Swarm Fieldhouse on the coliseum grounds.
The location is a partnership between the city of Greensboro, Cone Health, the Guilford County Health Department and MAKO Medical.
The mass testing site will open Saturday at Piedmont Hall following the high demand for tests across the Piedmont Triad. David Thompson, the assistant director of infectious diseases for Cone Health said the hospital went from doing about 1,400 tests last week to a planned 6,000 next week. The new site will be able to do 1,000 to 1,500 tests daily.
"We're seeing demand greater than since we've seen over the last year," said David Thompson, the assistant director of infectious diseases at Cone Health. "Probably the busiest week last year was around 6000 tests. We're seeing numbers trend that way and in order to meet that demand between what's coming at us and the (Guilford County) Health Department to take care of everyone that needs to be tested."
Testing will be available seven days a week from Saturday, Jan. 8 to Friday, Jan. 21, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You don't make a timed appointment, but officials do ask that you register your information to make the process run more smoothly. Dr. Iulia Vann, the Public Health Director for the Guilford County Health Department said they can't promise that there won't be lines, but this will hopefully help spread out testing options.
"We hope that this site is really doing to be able to decompress some of that stress that's being put on other vendors," said Dr. Vann. "Maybe some of the emergency room departments where people are going to get tested right now. So trying to divert some of that from emergency rooms with this site."
There are no restrictions for who can get tested, but the site is ideal for people showing symptoms.
After those two weeks, Dr. Vann said FEMA is expected to take over the site.
"Increasing testing and being able to quickly identify the transmission pattern and being able to stop that transition cycle is really important," Dr. Vann said.
The Guilford County Division of Public Health will also hold vaccination clinics at The Swarm Fieldhouse at 1921 W. Gate City Blvd. on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You can register for a vaccination appointment here.
Greensboro officials said they also want to encourage people to get vaccinated and get a booster when eligible. They want everyone to be mindful of their actions and take precautions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Mayor Nancy Vaughan released a statement about the community doing its part to prevent the spread of COVID.
“Being opposed to wearing a mask in public is putting a strain on our hospitals, workforce, first responders, and business community,” Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan said. “In order to stop spreading this virus, we must each do our part by responsibly wearing a mask, getting fully vaccinated, and maintaining social distance.”
Greensboro city leaders said businesses and restaurant owners have the option to require masks inside their facilities if they choose to do so. The city wants people to respect any business that will require face coverings.
For more information, check out the city’s social media channels, Greensboro Television Network, and the city’s COVID-19 website.