North Central residents, who are urged to stay vigilant when it comes to trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19, can take advantage of one of the many places to get tested in the area.

The Arizona Department of Health Services reported an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases recently. There were 250,633 reported Coronavirus cases in Arizona and 6,059 deaths tied to the virus, as of Nov. 4, the department reported. The percent positivity around the state, which relays information about community spread, increased from 3.9 percent to 5.5 percent over a time period of a few weeks in October, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Many COVID-19 testing sites have been set up in the area, including one that will be open from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Orangewood Elementary School, which is at 7337 N. 19th Ave. Register ahead of time for testing at equalityhealthfoundation.org/ covid19 or by texting “FREE TEST” to 31996 or by calling 888-587-3647.

Walgreens also provides drive-through COVID-19 testing at many sites, including its store at 8030 N. 19th Ave. You have to answer some questions to see if you are eligible for the test, then make an appointment online. To do the screening and make an appointment, visit walgreens.com/ findcare/covid19/testing.

CVS also is offering Coronavirus testing at many of its locations, including at 6002 N. 7th St. and at its store at 711 E. Indian School Road. To make an appointment for a test and find a location near you, visit cvs.com.

For more information, visit azdhs.gov.