Public Health Department to Begin Free Testing

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners will have a special meeting Aug. 24 for consideration of a mask mandate.

The special meeting is set to begin at 10 a.m. at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.  Residents and members of the media are invited to watch the live broadcast on YouTube.com/user/CumberlandCountyNC or CCNC-TV (Spectrum Channel 5).

The City of Fayetteville mask mandate is effective Aug. 20 at 5 p.m.

As of Aug. 19, the Health Department reports 28 Cumberland County residents have died of COVID-19 since July 13, bringing the total to 354 deaths since the onset of the pandemic. The case positivity rate for COVID testing is 15.7%, and in the last two weeks, there have been more than 2,200 cases reported in the county.

Testing Information

The Cumberland County Department of Public Health will offer FREE PCR testing through the state approved vendor, Optum Serv, beginning Aug. 23.

Testing will be conducted in a drive through style at 1235 Ramsey Street in Parking Lot D.  This will be done Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What to know before you go:

•   Testing will be a PCR test. This test is sent to a lab with results returning in 2-3 days. You should stay home until you get negative test results. If positive, follow the CDC guidelines for isolation.

•   No identification or insurance necessary.

No appointment necessary.  However, you can schedule an appointment at:

• https://myoptumserve.com/covid19
• 877-505-6723

COVID-19 at home test kits are currently out of stock at the Health Department.  There will be an update to the website when more at home test kits are available.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Update

The FDA and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will conduct an independent evaluation and determination of the safety and effectiveness of a third dose. Pending FDA approval and recommendation from ACIP, shot distribution may begin for Cumberland County residents as early as fall 2021.

The Cumberland County Department of Public Health is currently following CDC recommendations that people who have moderately to severely compromised immune systems should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna and Pfizer) after the initial two doses. Information for individuals seeking a third dose can be found below. CDC does not recommend those individuals who received the single dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Find your spot at https://myspot.nc.gov/ or search at vaccines.gov/search/ to find a location near you to become fully vaccinated.

Vaccine Clinic Information

All individuals (age 12 and up) may schedule appointments on the County’s COVID-19 vaccine page at cumberlandcountync.gov/covid19/vaccination. An online application form allows individuals to choose their own appointment date and time for the first dose and second dose of the vaccine. Second doses are automatically scheduled after the first dose is received. Upcoming clinic dates are as follows:

Visit cumberlandcountync.gov/covid19/vaccination to make an appointment. First and second doses are the same. Individuals may attend a “second dose clinic” to receive their first dose. Call (910) 678-7657 weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. if you need assistance with the form or have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who need transportation to and from the vaccination site can call 910-678-7619 weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance.

Monday through Friday

• Health Department, 1235 Ramsey Street, 3rd floor auditorium Fayetteville, NC 28301
• Pfizer and J&J
• By appointment only, same day appointments available
• 9 am – 4 pm

Saturday, Aug. 21

• First Baptist Church – 302 Moore Street, Fayetteville, N.C.
• Pfizer and J&J
• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• East Regional Library – 4809 Clinton Road, Fayetteville, N.C.
• Pfizer shots
• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Everflowing Overcomers World Outreach Ministries (EOWOM) – 5329 Ramsey St., Suite 5

Fayetteville, N.C.

• Pfizer and J&J
• 10 a.m – 4 p.m

Friday, Aug. 27

• Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse – 117 Dick St., Rm. 119, Fayetteville, N.C.
• Pfizer shots
• 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 28

• Spring Lake Regional Library – 101 Laketree Boulevard, Spring Lake, N.C. 28390
• Pfizer shots
• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 3, 17, and 24

• Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse – 117 Dick St., Rm. 119, Fayetteville, N.C.
• Pfizer shots
• 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Please visit https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/publichealth for more information about Cumberland County Department of Health programs.

For more information about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention isolation protocols, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

The Cumberland County Public Health Department testing site was established Aug. 19, 2021.  Free COVID-19 testing will begin on Monday, Aug. 23.