CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Sugar Creek Library has never been busier.
What You Need To Know
The Mecklenburg County Health Department says it has limited COVID-19 test kits due to nationwide supply chain issues
Two free tests come in a test kit given by the county health department, but if you have no symptoms, you're advised to take both
Some CVS locations could see a new shipment of test kits by the end of the week
A steady flow of drivers piled in and out of the parking lot Tuesday to get tested for COVID-19 before the holidays.
Like Karen Jones.
“I’m happy to see so many people out here,” she said. “And it's free too!"
She's relieved so many people are taking the highly contagious omicron variant seriously.
“I don’t think people really realize that this stuff, this stuff is dangerous,” she said.
And she's grateful to get a test for herself.
“Thank you very much!” she said as she received her test kit. The Mecklenburg County Health Department distributes free COVID-19 test kits at several libraries and public health sites across the county on various days.
Mark Lynch was also racing against the clock Tuesday morning.
“You have tests here? At-home tests?” he asked at the Mecklenburg Public Health Department on Billingsley Road and was told to drive around to the designated pick-up area.
He's still optimistic, after a tough letdown on Monday.
“Tried to get one at Hickory Road Library, but they were out,” he said.
He was also met by a packed parking lot.
“There are a lot of people here it looks like,” he said.
Mecklenburg County Public Health announced Monday it only has a limited number of free test kits at its designated library branches and public health locations.
“Could I get some test kits?” asked Lynch as he approached the test kit counter.
He was in luck.
“May I have two?” he asked.
But he still didn’t get as many as he had hoped for.
“I wanted four,” he said.
One for him, his wife and both of his elderly parents. So, they can enjoy dinner Saturday, worry free.
“Let down our guard a little bit more. You can’t really do much in the way of social distancing when you’re around the Christmas table,” he said.
The Mecklenburg Public Health Department is giving out test kits with two tests in them. Officials say for people who are not showing symptoms, they should take both tests, in order to confirm the results. However, if you do have symptoms, you will only need to take one test.