West Columbia, S.C. – Lexington Medical Center and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control tested 826 patients for COVID-19 at a drive-thru screening today at Brookand Baptist Church in West Columbia. The results will be available in the coming days.
The hospital and DHEC hosted the free screening at the request of Senator Nikki Setzler and Reverend Dr. Charles B. Jackson Sr. The free testing was open to people who live in Cayce and West Columbia. Individuals did not need to have symptoms. No appointments were necessary.
Clinicians administered the tests in a drive-thru format. Patients did not need to get out of their cars.
Testing for COVID-19 involves a nasopharyngeal swab, where a clinician places a special 6-inch cotton swab up both sides of the nose and rotates it around for about 15 seconds. DHEC provided the test kits, which will go to third-party laboratories for processing.
Lexington Medical Center and DHEC are thankful for the support of the Midlands community throughout the coronavirus pandemic as they work to keep everyone healthy and safe.
Further questions about testing should be directed to DHEC at www.scdhec.gov or (803) 898-3432.
