Starting Wednesday October 5, 2022 Wilkes Health will no longer COIVD-19 test individuals who have no symptoms. 

The change comes from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services who rescinded the December 7, 2020 guidance. The December 7, 2020 guidance allowed Certificate of Waiver labs and non-waived labs to perform COVID-19 molecular and antigen Point of Care (POC) tests on individuals who do not have symptoms outside of the test’s authorization.  

At home testing is now widely available and tests can be provided within the parameters designed to ensure accuracy, the originally justification supporting this waiver is no longer compelling. 

“Wilkes Health is still offering Rapid Antigen and PCR sendoff tests to those who have symptoms. If you do not have symptoms or you have been exposed and have no symptoms, and need an at home test call the health department at 336-651-7450 or stop by and pick one up,” said Rachel Willard, Wilkes County Health Director “At home COVID-19 tests are safe, fast and reliable at detecting COVID-19.” 

If you are having COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are having symptoms, call the Health Department at 336-651-7450 to schedule your COVID-19 test.