Suspect you might have Covid-19? Getting tested just got easier. Walgreens Bryson City is now a location for free rapid diagnostic testing.
In order to request an appointment, a person will have to visit the website
walgreens.com. First, you find the local store. Then, you will go through a series of questions, including information about symptoms, etc. The next page is where you enter in your name and contact information. Then, a page will display options for time slots.
It appeared slots are available as soon as the next day when checking on Thursday with several time slots throughout the day available.
At the appointment, the person will arrive in their vehicle with the window rolled up and show a confirmation email, valid ID and insurance card or voucher if applicable. The pharmacy tech will provide direction for the patient to self-administer the nasal test. According to the website.
The test is free and available for people 3 years and older. The rapid diagnostic test detects genetic material of the virus and according to Aegis Sciences, results are available within 24 hours.
It’s unknown at this time if the Bryson City location will be a site for Covid-19 vaccines but it is not at this point, although Walgreens Pharmacy has partnered with the federal government for vaccine distribution.
A Bryson City store manager said on Thursday that she cannot provide comments to the media.
The company made the announcement Feb. 2 that its vaccinations would begin Feb. 12. Walgreens is slated to distribute 31,200 doses of the Moderna vaccine among 313 of its stores in the state. A corporate spokesman said Tuesday, Feb. 9 that information on specific store locations and allocations was not yet available.
“Walgreens was one of the first pharmacies to begin administering COVID-19 vaccinations in December to long-term care facility staff and residents, and we look forward to leveraging our experience to support the federal government and CDC in expanding access to these vaccines,” said Walgreens President John Standley said in the release.
Lee Buchanan, editor of The Franklin Press, contributed to this story.