Prisma Health to hold free COVID-19 testing in Turbeville

Prisma Health will hold a drive-through COVID-19 testing site (weather permitting) on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Clarendon High School, 1101 Pope St., Turbeville.

Community members are urged to check media outlets or Prisma Health's COVID-19-information website (www.prismahealth.org/coronavirus) to ensure the event has not been canceled due to inclement weather.

The community testing, done in partnership with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and state agencies, will reach populations who may not otherwise have access to traditional testing or online virtual visits.

Prisma Health officials also cautioned that the community testing sites are only intended for free community testing. Physician-ordered testing for patients who already have providers, have completed a virtual visit or need pre-surgical testing should take place at hospital-based testing sites as instructed by their providers.

Here is what community members should know about community testing sites:

- People will be tested for active COVID-19 infections;

- No one needs a doctor's order;

- Testing will be given regardless of ability to pay;

- No appointment is needed;

- Spanish-speaking Prisma Health team members will be available at every site;

- All those taking part will be given masks when they arrive and will also be asked to maintain social distancing;

- Test results should come back within four days;

- Everyone tested will receive follow-up information about test results - whether positive or negative - from providers at Prisma Health; and

- Everyone will get tips on isolating at home if sick, caring for themselves and seeking more help if symptoms worsen.

Additional sites are expected to be announced in the weeks to come. For details, visit https://www.prismahealth.org/coronavirus/.