<strong>From staff reports</strong>

Beaufort Memorial (BMH) will host a free COVID-19 testing event from 7 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29 at Battery Creek High School at 1 Blue Dolphin Drive in Beaufort.

All testing is on a first-come, first-served basis. A physician’s order is not required. BMH staff will collect test specimens using kits supplied by DHEC, which will run all tests through its state laboratory and communicate the results to BMH.

BMH staff will notify patients about their results within 48 hours after DHEC delivers them. Participants should expect to receive results within 5 to 7 days after test collection.

The BMH Infection Prevention team will call anyone who tests positive and provide detailed instructions for self-isolation, self-care and home disinfection. Those who test negative will receive a text notification or phone call.

On his Facebook page, State Senator Tom Davis gave a summary of the free testing event held Wednesday, July 15 at Lady’s Island Elementary School.

According to Davis, Chair of the Re-Open S.C. Select Subcommittee, there were 394 people tested with 46 testing positive – a positive rate of 11.6 percent. All of those tested were advised of results over the weekend, within 5 days.

Participants are asked to enter Blue Dolphin Drive from Jennings Road and are encouraged to complete and print the COVID-19 Testing Form ahead of time. Bring the completed form, which can be found on the hospital’s website at BeaufortMemorial.org/FreeCOVID-19TestingEvents, and two additional copies to the event. Forms will also be available onsite.

The event, in partnership with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department, are part of a statewide effort to provide broad access to testing, especially in rural areas.

For more information, visit www.BeaufortMemorial.org.