‘Excruciatingly long’ lines for COVID tests in Charlotte. Here’s what’s driving the wait
Play VideoDuration 0:41Mecklenburg health director warns about risks in public placesAhead of the Carolina Panthers’ season opener, Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Gibbie Harris urged county residents to get the COVID vaccines, wear masks and stay cautious. BY MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Mecklenburg County residents have reported long waits and “excruciatingly long” lines for COVID-19 tests this week.
COVID-19 tests have been on the rise for weeks locally. That trend has continued, likely prompted by people getting tests after traveling during Labor Day weekend or attending holiday gatherings, Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Gibbie Harris told the Observer Wednesday.Across Mecklenburg, the average number of daily COVID-19 tests has increased by nearly 125% in the last three months.TOP VIDEO
And StarMed Healthcare, which has partnered with the county on administering COVID-19 vaccinations, has seen “excruciatingly long” lines at its testing sites in recent weeks, StarMed said in an email.
The healthcare office addressed the long lines in a tweet on Tuesday, sharing a screenshot of a message about the wait times.
Afternoon Observer
“We really have our hands full,” the message read. “The volume of people we’re testing has skyrocketed. All of the healthcare organizations are doing the best we can. We’re all stretched incredibly thin.
