5 free mobile testing sites are coming to Sumter, Clarendon

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Mobile COVID-19 testing sites will be set up in Sumter and Clarendon counties on five days before the end of the month, giving people the chance to get tested for free.

The testing sites are a product of a partnership between the state Legislature and Charleston-based MUSC Health to set up free pop-up testing sites in rural and underserved areas across the state, which have experienced disparities in access to COVID-19 screening, testing, prevention and treatment in South Carolina and nationally. The mobile setup allows providers to rotate sites to reach more communities. Sites may close early or operate with reduced hours if heat/weather conditions become unsafe for care team members or if volume exceeds site safety capacity.

Tents will be set up outside to collect respiratory specimens from both walk-up and drive-through patients.

Prescreening or an appointment is not required. Testing is free, but patients who have insurance should being their card. All patients should bring an ID. Insurance is not required to be seen, but the CARES Act requires MUSC to bill insurance providers if patients are covered.

Patients should be contacted within seven to 10 days with results. Email drivethruresults@musc.edu or call (843) 985-8888 with questions regarding results.

UPCOMING SITES

ALCOLU

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 9124 Plowden Mill Road, Alcolu, SC 29001

SUMTER

Thursday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

East Community Center, 3675 E. Brewington Road, Sumter, SC 29150

MANNING

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., Manning, SC 29102

REMBERT

Thursday Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rafting Creek Community Center, 4050 Hwy. 261 North, Rembert, SC 29128

SUMMERTON

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Taw Caw Community Outreach Center, 1126 Granby Lane, Summerton, SC