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Dare County is partnering with Mako Medical Laboratories out of Raleigh to host a diagnostic and antibody COVID-19 testing event on Hatteras Island.

The event will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2020 starting at 10 a.m. at Fessenden Center located at 46830 NC-12 in Buxton. Appointments are required. This event is open to permanent residents of Dare County, ages 10 and older.

Individuals can register for an appointment for the diagnostic test, the antibody test or both. The diagnostic test determines if an individual currently has a COVID-19 infection. The antibody test is used to determine if an individual had a COVID-19 infection in the past. A positive antibody test does not mean an individual has immunity to future COVID-19 infections.

To schedule an appointment, call 252-475-5008. The call center is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Participants are required to send a photocopy of their government-issued identification card and insurance card prior to the event.

Individuals only receiving the diagnostic test will be able to stay in their car and get the test via a drive-through service. Individuals who wish to have the antibody test will be required to come into the building as the test requires a blood sample be drawn.

This is not a free event, however, individuals with insurance will not incur any out of pocket cost as the COVID-19 test is completely covered, no deductible and no co-pays. All insurances cover the COVID-19 diagnostic test, including Medicaid and Medicare. Mako Medical Laboratories will utilize the COVID-19 Relief Fund to cover costs of diagnostic testing for individuals who are uninsured. Mako Medical Laboratories will work with individuals without insurance who are seeking antibody testing. More information will be provided when individuals call to register for an appointment.

Individuals who participate in this testing event should understand they are coming to a community-based testing site located in a public location and therefore patient privacy cannot be assured. All results will, however, be confidential.

Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will receive test results from Mako Medical Laboratories and call individuals to provide them with their results within 72 hours of the event.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider. This testing event is only for asymptomatic individuals, according to DCDHHS. For those entering the building for testing, temperature checks will be provided. For more information on testing locations in Dare County, visit darenc.com/covidtesting.

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