‘Meeting the community’s need’: Cabarrus Arena to serve as new COVID test site

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — From gun shows to bridal expos, the Cabarrus Arena sees it all. The exhibition hall will now welcome hundreds of people for COVID-19 testing.

“Right now, we are just meeting the community’s need,” said Devan Conley, of TrueCare Pharmacy.

[Here’s where you can get a COVID-19 test in the Channel 9 viewing area]

Conley and TrueCare Pharmacy are partnering with the Cabarrus Health Alliance to run the new giant test site. Appointments are encouraged, and they are offering rapid tests at no cost.

Thursday was a soft launch of the site, with people taking advantage of the short wait. Testing at the Cabarrus Arena will be offered on Monday and Tuesday.

>> CLICK HERE to make an appointment.

Cabarrus leaders hope the site will help take some of the pressure off other test sites, and make sure local residents don’t have to travel into Charlotte and potentially wait in long lines.

“It is truly about getting access to people to get tested,” said Marcella Beam with the Cabarrus Health Alliance.

Jennifer Hoffman told Channel 9′s Susanna Black that she waited about an hour on Monday, but said it was worth it.

“Only one pharmacy, every now and then. It was hard to get an appointment and it would be weeks out,” she said.

Rodney Threadgill said it was nice to have a place so close.

“Had my dad’s funeral and about five people there tested positive, so figured I better go get tested before I went back to work,” he said.

[ALSO READ: Fully vaccinated and still got COVID-19? Here is what you should do next]

Health leaders said they are thrilled to be able to provide the service, and hope it gives people peace of mind during this stressful time.

“It is always about pivoting to where we need to be and right now,” Conley said. “It is remarkable that we were able to be where we need to be and have the resources to provide these tests.”

TrueCare Pharmacy is only able to offer rapid tests at this site currently. No PCR tests are available.

(Watch the video below: COVID-19: Are you fully vaccinated or “up to date”?)

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