COVID-19 Testing and Tracing Information
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. Click the button below for more details and to order your tests through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
NOTE: If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and have had symptoms for 10 days or less, talk to your health care provider to see if monoclonal antibody therapy is an option for you or find a treatment center near you. Some people may qualify for preventative treatment before showing symptoms. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, talk to your health care provider for more.
There are a number of reasons why you may be tested for COVID-19. It may be because you have COVID-19 symptoms, were a close contact of someone with COVID-19, are in a job or a population that may be at higher risk for exposure and suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19; or are in a job or a population for which routine or repeat testing is recommended or required.
These online tools are intended to help people know if they may need a test, how to get a test, and monitor their own symptoms if advised to do so by a contact tracer. If your need additional assistance to locate a provider to test, you should contact Brunswick County Health Services for assistance.
COVID-19 Testing Information and Resources
Click on the accordion boxes below for more information about COVID-19 symptoms and testing.
Guidance On Who Should Be Tested For COVID-19
Guidance On Who Should Be Tested For COVID-19
It has never been easier or faster to get tested. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or think you may have COVID-19, you should get tested.
Fully vaccinated individuals should get tested if they:
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Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms should get tested immediately.
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Have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. You should get tested within 3-5 days after exposure.
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Are traveling internationally and returning to the United States. Fully vaccinated international travelers are required to get tested three days before travel by air into the U.S. and should also get tested 3-5 days after their trip.
Unvaccinated individuals should get tested if they:
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Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms should get tested immediately.
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Have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. If they do not have symptoms, they should wait at least six days after their last known exposure to COVID-19 before they get tested.
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Take part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed to avoid exposure, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.
If available through an employer or another organization, unvaccinated individuals can be part of a program where they get tested regularly for COVID-19.
Learn more about this guidance and see answers to frequently asked questions about testing on the NCDHHS website.
COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Anyone with more serious symptoms should call their doctor or 9-1-1 right away. More serious symptoms can include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion or blue lips.
See more recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on what to do if you feel sick.
COVID-19 Testing Sites in Brunswick County
COVID-19 Testing Sites in Brunswick County
- You should contact your primary medical provider first if you have one to alert them of their symptoms and have a physician determine if a test is required and if they provide tests.
- Remember to always contact these sites first to alert them of their symptoms so they can provide proper guidance and make preparations to best protect you and their staff.
- Trying to test before or after holiday travel? Select/use “State Health Officials Have Said I Should Get a Test,” as your reason when requesting a test from a provider.
- Uninsured individuals can seek free testing at the following locations (call ahead to schedule a visit and alert physicians/staff about symptoms):
- Brunswick County Health Services (Bolivia; Pediatrics Only): 910-253-2276
- CommWell Health (Bolivia Site Only): 910-567-7114
- Goshen Medical (Southport): 910-457-0070
- CVS Pharmacy (Leland): Register in advance at https://www.cvs.com/ / 910-371-1464
Brunswick County Health Services (Testing for those aged 17 and under)
- 25 Courthouse Drive, Building A, Bolivia, NC 28422
- 910-253-2276
- Assist: Uninsured and Insured
- Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Novant Health Oceanside Family
- 5145 Sellers Rd, Shallotte, NC 28470
- 910-754-4441
- Assist: Uninsured and Insured
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- No appointment necessary
- Online coronavirus assessment tool found at novanthealth.org/coronavirus
- 24/7 helpline for patients are experiencing symptoms and have questions on how to best seek care: 877-499-1697 or 877-9NOVANT
Dosher Convenient Care
- 3009 Medical Plaza, Southport, NC 28461
- 910-454-4732
- Assist: Uninsured and Insured
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Appointment needed
- Testing all ages
CommWell Health
- 4311 Old Ocean Hwy, Bolivia, NC 28422
- 910-567-7114
- Assist: Uninsured and Insured
- Monday and Tuesday: 8:30am & 4pm; Thursday: 4pm
- Appointment necessary
- Testing all ages
Goshen Medical
- 4654 Long Beach Rd, Southport, NC 28461
- 910-457-0070
- Assist: Uninsured and Insured
- Monday- 7am-10:45am; Tuesday- 7am-10:45am & 1pm-4pm; Wednesday- 1pm-4pm; Thursday- 7am-10:45am & 1pm-4pm
- Appointment needed
- Testing all ages
CVS Pharmacy (Leland)
Free tests are available at this location. Contact CVS Pharmacy for details.
- 1132 East Cutler Crossing, Leland, NC 28451
- Register in advance at CVS.COM
- 910-371-1464
- Assist: Uninsured and Insured
CVS Pharmacy (Village Road- Leland)
Free tests are available at this location. Contact CVS Pharmacy for details.
- 117 Village Rd, Leland, NC 28451
- Register in advance at CVS.COM
CVS Pharmacy (Shallotte)
Free tests are available at this location. Contact CVS Pharmacy for details.
- 4553 Main Street, Shallotte, NC 28470
- Register in advance at CVS.COM
CVS Pharmacy (Calabash)
Free tests are available at this location. Contact CVS Pharmacy for details.
- 9810 Ocean Hwy W, Calabash, NC 28467
- Register in advance at CVS.COM
Med First Primary and Urgent Care
- 5130 Southport-Supply Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461
- 910-269-2053
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Appointment preferred but not needed
- Testing ages 5 and up
FastMed Urgent Care
- 202 Village Rd, Leland, NC 28451
- 910-782-3600
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Public Health Call Lines and Email Information
Public Health Call Lines and Email Information
Brunswick County Public Health Call Line (Available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
The County is operating a joint information center with a Public Health Call Line and email to answer residents’ coronavirus questions (available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding county-observed holidays).
- Phone: 910.253.2339
- Email: coronavirus@brunswickcountync.gov
Community Care of North Carolina’s COVID-19 Triage Plus (Available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily)
CCNC’s COVID-19 Triage Plus is a toll-free helpline aimed at answering patients’ COVID-19 questions and helping them find the care they need. COVID-19 Triage Plus staff are local, NC-licensed RNs experienced in care management who will assist any North Carolina resident regardless of insurance coverage or lack of coverage. Through an agreement with the NC Department of Health and Human Services, CCNC will staff this helpline from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
- COVID-19 Triage Plus Patient Information and Support Line: 1-877-490-6642
Individuals who have questions afterhours are encouraged to use the North Carolina 2-1-1 program or call the North Carolina Public Health Call Line, which has public health professionals available 24 hours a day every day to answer questions.
NC Public Health Call Line (Open 24/7)
- 1.866.462.3821
North Carolina 2-1-1 Program
- For COVID-19 questions, dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162
- Sign up for updates by texting COVIDNC to 898211
What to Do While I Wait for My Test Results
What to Do While I Wait for My Test Results
How can I keep others safe after getting tested?
How can I keep others safe after getting tested?
Rest assured. The NC COVID Community Team will keep your identity private. Your personal health information is also protected and not shared with other government agencies – that’s the law.
BE THE ONE. If you receive an email from NC-ARIAS-NoReply at dhhs.nc.gov or see your local health department or NC Outreach (844-628-7223) appear on your phone via text or call, please answer us to protect your community and the people you care about. You may also call NC Outreach (844-628-7223) to learn more about available support to stay healthy.
Learn more about how you can help slow the spread and help with contact tracing. Review this fact sheet in English and Spanish.
What if my test is negative?
What if my test is negative?
What if my test is positive?
What if my test is positive?
- Has it been at least 10 days since you first had symptoms?
- Has it been at least 24 hours (1 day) since you have had a fever without using fever-reducing medicine?
- Have your other symptoms improved (such as coughing and shortness of breath)?
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and have had symptoms for 10 days or less, talk to your health care provider to see if monoclonal antibody therapy is an option for you or find a treatment center near you.
Following CDC guidelines, if your test comes back positive and you did not have symptoms, you should stay home and isolate (avoid anyone in your household) until 10 days have passed since the date of your first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test, assuming you did not develop symptoms since your positive test.
Additionally, if you have tested positive for COVID-19, the local health department or another member of the COVID-19 Community Team will call to ensure you have the information and support you need, such as tips for staying at home and monitoring symptoms. To protect your family and friends and slow the spread of the virus, the COVID-19 Community Team member will also ask you who you have recently been near – for example, people living in your household or people who have been within 6 feet of you for more than 15 minutes. The COVID-19 Community Team will reach out to anyone who has been near you to share information and support, as well as help them get tested. They should stay home and quarantine until 14 days after the last time they were in contact with you while you were able to spread the infection.
The team will not share your name or personal information. This information is confidential and will remain private. However, if you are comfortable, please share this information with everyone in your household and any of your close contacts. If the COVID-19 Community Team does not get in contact with you, please call your local health department.
How can I practice home care?
How can I practice home care?
How can I help slow the spread?
How can I help slow the spread?
Quarantine Guidance for the General Community
Quarantine Guidance for the General Community
Per the CDC, quarantine guidance for the general public includes:
Standard Quarantine Period
- 14 days have passed since the last date of exposure to COVID-19 AND
- No symptoms have developed during this time period
People Who Have Received the COVID-19 Vaccine
Per the CDC, people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine do not need to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Are fully vaccinated (i.e., at least 2 weeks after getting their second dose in a 2-dose series or one-dose of a single-dose series)
- Have had no symptoms from when they were exposed to someone with COVID-19
- Live outside of a group setting. Individuals in group settings such as group homes, jails, etc., still need to quarantine following an exposure.
After an exposure of COVID-19, fully vaccinated individuals should get tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask around others until you get a negative test result.
For more information, please see NCDHHS’s Interim Guidance for Individuals Who have Been Vaccinated.
Recognizing the challenges on both individuals out of work and our public health system, CDC released guidance on alternative options to reduce the quarantine period. These options are listed below.
However, your local public health authorities make the final decisions about how long quarantine should last, based on local conditions and needs. Please follow the recommendations of your local public health department if you need to quarantine.
Alternative Option 1
- 10 days have passed since the last date of exposure to COVID-19 AND
- No symptoms have developed during this time period
Alternative Option 2
- 7 days have passed since the last date of exposure to COVID-19 AND
- No symptoms have developed during this time period AND
- The contact has a negative PCR or antigen-based test collected at least 5 days after the last date of exposure to COVID-19
While the recommended quarantine period continues to be 14 days since the last date of exposure to COVID-19, current data demonstrate that only 2% of exposed persons develop illness after more than 10 days of the last exposure to COVID-19. This means that the quarantine period can be shortened with only a small increased risk of transmission. If quarantine is discontinued before day 14, the individual must continue to monitor for symptoms and strictly adhere to all prevention measures (e.g., mask wearing, social distancing, etc.) until 14 days after the last date of exposure.
Child Care and K-12 Settings
NCDHHS recommends following the above CDC guidance in these settings, including utilizing the standard quarantine period or alternative options and the post-vaccination guidance.
Additionally, after a close contact in a classroom or child care setting, children who are not fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine, if masks were being worn appropriately and consistently by both the person with COVID-19 and the potential exposed person. This is based on updated CDC guidance and studies that have shown extremely low risk of COVID-19 transmission in classroom settings when face masks were being used appropriately by both the person with COVID-19 and the potentially exposed person, as well as multiple layers of prevention measures in place to prevent transmission in school settings. This applies to exposures in classrooms, other in-school and child care settings, and school transportation but does not apply to exposures during extracurricular or athletic activities. This exception does not apply to teachers, staff, or other adults in the indoor classroom setting.
Congregate Living Facilities
NCDHHS strongly recommends that a full 14-day quarantine (regardless of vaccination status) be implemented in congregate living facilities that are at higher risk for secondary clusters or where residents may be at higher risk for severe illness. This includes nursing homes, residential care facilities and correctional facilities.
Read additional information on the CDC website
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Contact Tracing Next Steps After Testing
Contact Tracing Next Steps After Testing
