CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Four public libraries in Mecklenburg County will now start offering free at-home COVID-19 test kits as public health officials are working to make testing more accessible for the community.
Starting Monday, people can pick up the at-home test kits for free at branches on South Boulevard, West Boulevard, Hickory Creek and North Tryon. The sites are strategically spread throughout the city to better serve everyone, health officials said.
The kits are being made available the same day that all Mecklenburg County workers return to the office in person. It's not a complete return to normal, though, as employees will be required to wear a mask indoors and provide proof of vaccination or be subject to weekly testing. Masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination. Mecklenburg County said about 80% of its workforce is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Free COVID-19 test kits are available at the following locations while supplies last:
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – West Boulevard
- 2157 West Blvd, Charlotte
- Mon & Wed: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Fri: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Hickory Grove
- 5935 Hickory Grove Rd, Charlotte
- Mon & Wed: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Fri: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – South Boulevard
- 4429 South Blvd, Charlotte
- Tues & Thurs: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Sugar Creek
- 4045 North Tryon St, Suite A, Charlotte
- Tues & Thurs: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mecklenburg County officials said they want to get the free at-home kits into the hands of people who may have trouble getting to one of the testing sites in Charlotte.
There are some concerns about the reliability of the tests, though.
"The important point here is the test will only be as good as you obtain the samples," Dr. Saralyn Mark said.
Anyone interested in picking up a kit can head to any of the participating branches and follow instructions.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.