Free COVID-19 testing this week and next

Free COVID-19 testing this week and next... Testing will be available this Friday and next Saturday (new date), courtesy of Tidelands Health and SC DHEC. Next week's day was shifted to Saturday, August 1, to accommodate more people, according to Gayle Resetar, chief operating officer of Tidelands Health.

“Some community members, because of work or other responsibilities, are unable to get their COVID-19 test on a weekday. We want to make this testing convenient and available to our entire community, so – with the help of DHEC, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, local law enforcement and other partners – we were able to shift the July 31 event by a day to provide weekend access to testing,” Resetar said.

• Friday, July 24, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing while supplies last at Coastal Carolina University, 100 Chanticleer Dr., Conway

• Saturday, August 1, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing while supplies last at Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium, 1251 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach

Testing is free and open to everyone ages two and older. Pre-screening is not required. Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to give consent for testing. Participants simply drive up to be tested and remain in their car throughout the process.

Specimens from the drive-through events are sent to DHEC labs for testing. Results are typically available within five business days.