People who live and work near Wake Forest have a convenient way to get tested for COVID-19. Wake County is contracting with clinical laboratory Radeas, located at 907 Gateway Commons Circle, to provide free, drive-thru testing Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The service is free, and no appointment is necessary. The testing typically takes about seven minutes, and results are usually provided in seven to nine hours – but can take up to 24 hours. Tests are reserved for those who: Have COVID-like symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and loss of smell; Have been in close contact with a known positive case of COVID-19; Are healthcare workers or first responders; Work in high-risk settings like long-term care facilities, correctional facilities or homeless shelters; Are 65 years old or older; Have underlying health conditions; Are a member of a vulnerable or historically marginalized population; Have attended

The Wake Forest Police Department  will host Operation Medicine Drop”Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Town Hall Ground Floor Meeting Room at 301 South Brooks Street. The room is most easily accessed via Town Hall’s Taylor Street entrance. The department offers Operation Medicine Drop as a prescription and over-the-counter medication take-back initiative that promotes proper medication disposal. By providing a safe and secure way for people to get rid of unwanted pills, tablets and other medications, Operation Medicine Drop helps prevent accidental poisonings and drug abuse, while also protecting local rivers and streams. The service is free, anonymous and no questions will be asked. Due to COVID-19, anyone dropping off unwanted medications will be required to wear a mask. Participants can help law enforcement officials properly identify and sort the medications by disposing expired, unused or unwanted medicine in its original container with the drug

The Wake Forest Fire Department is introducing a program that provides firefighters with the safe and efficient entry they need into the homes of vulnerable residents during fires or medical emergencies. The Knox Homebox program involves homeowners buying a steel lock box and firefighters locking their house key in it. Fire crews have a master key that opens the box in the event of a medical emergency, fire or other urgent need. According to Fire Logistics Specialist David Davis, the initiative saves precious time for first responders and the potential expense of costly repairs for the homeowner due to forced entry. “Our number one concern is getting inside the house to provide aid to someone who may be in trouble,” said Davis. “This program allows us to gain entry quickly without breaking down the door or breaking windows.” Davis said the program also offers peace of mind for the homeowner and their

On Thursday, Oct. 22, visit Moe’s Southwest Grill in the Wakefield Commons shopping center near Starbucks and order a meal or any item between 4 and 9 p.m. Then put your receipt in the box provided and 10 percent of your meal will be donated to the nonprofit Hope Reins, a project of  the Wake Forest High School Juniorette Club. Hope Reins provides therapy for area children and their families who are in different life crises through rescue horses. You can learn about Hope Reins at https://hopereins.org. #

Job loss, reduced work hours and illness related to COVID-19 have caused many households in Wake County to struggle to make rent. To help them catch up on late payments and avoid eviction, the county has launched the House Wake! COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Program. “Eviction is a harsh reality that many in our community are facing right now due to no fault of their own,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Greg Ford. “Through this new program, we can mediate relationships with landlords and help more than 3,000 households remain in their homes.” The House Wake! COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Program consists of a three-step process: Eviction Prevention Through a partnership with the Telamon Corporation, the county will help tenants and landlords cover rent shortfalls, resulting from a loss of income due to COVID-19. Eviction Mediation Services Through a partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina, the county will provide free legal support for tenants