<b>From staff reports</b>

Beaufort Memorial Hospital will host free COVID-19 testing events on Wednesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 29 in northern Beaufort County.

The events, in partnership with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department, Beaufort City Police Department and Lady’s Island-Saint Helena Fire Department, are part of a statewide effort to provide broad access to testing, especially in rural areas.

The first event will be from 7 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 15 at Lady’s Island Middle School at 30 Cougar Drive. Enter Cougar Drive from Sea Island Parkway.

The second event will be from 7 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 29 at Battery Creek High School at 1 Blue Dolphin Drive. Enter Blue Dolphin Drive from Jennings Road.

<strong>Pre-Testing Process</strong>

Participants are encouraged to complete and print two copies of the COVID-19 testing form found <a href="https://www.bmhsc.org/assets/documents/covid-19/covid-19-testing-form_dhec1335.pdf">here.&nbsp;</a>

Bring the completed forms to the testing event. Blank forms will also be available onsite.

<strong>Testing Process</strong>

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. DHEC 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.

<strong>Reporting Process</strong>

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.

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.BeaufortMemorial.org">www.BeaufortMemorial.org</a>.