At the request of Senator Katrina Shealy, Lexington Medical Center and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control are working together to provide free COVID-19 testing at Willow Ridge Church, located at 104 Sycamore Tree Road in Lexington, on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Individuals do not need to have symptoms and no appointments are necessary, but patients must have a valid ID and wear a face mask. Clinicians will administer the tests in a drive-thru format. Patients do 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 is providing the kits and processing the testing.

Lexington Medical Center has held free COVID-19 screenings at White Knoll High School in Lexington, Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School, Schumpert’s IGA in Pelion, Irmo High School, Lexington High School and Chapin High School. More than 4,900 people received screenings at those events.

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.