<strong>From staff reports</strong>

Beaufort Memorial (BMH) is hosting free weekly COVID-19 testing events from noon to 2 p.m., every Tuesday, behind the Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center at 990 Ribaut Road.

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.

Participants are encouraged to complete and print the COVID-19 Testing Form ahead of time. Bring two copies of the completed form to the event, available on the hospital’s website at www.BeaufortMemorial.org/FreeCOVID-19TestingEvents. Forms will also be available on site.

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

For more information, visit www.BeaufortMemorial.org