First free COVID-19 testing site opens in Fort Mill as officials push for more tests
After South Carolina health officials last week pushed for more coronavirus testing across the state, a free testing site in Fort Mill is among several sites open this week in York, Chester and Lancaster counties.
According to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Medical University of South Carolina and the S.C. Legislature, these are the free COVID-19 testing sites open this week in York, Chester and Lancaster counties:
Fort Mill: A free testing site is open Tuesday at Fort Mill YMCA at the Complex, located at 971 Tom Hall St. Testing is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Chester: Free testing Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cestrian Square 115 Cestrian Drive in Chester.
York: Free testing Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, 302 California St. in York.
Rock Hill: Free testing is Saturday from 9 a.m to noon at Rock Grove AME Zion Church, 1460 Margaret St. in Rock Hill.
All testing sites are free and do not require an appointment or insurance.
DHEC officials said too few people in the state are being tested as numbers of tests dropped in August, The State reported.
The state averaged about 10,800 tests a day in July, but there has been a steady decrease in testing during August, which is due to fewer people wanting to get tested for the virus, according to The State.
DHEC officials reported Monday that 3,930 tests were conducted statewide, with about 12% having positive results.
That’s a lower rate than the percentage averaged in March and early April, DHEC reported. But in May, at its lowest point, the percentage of positive tests averaged 2% to 4%.
This story was originally published August 17, 2020 at 5:33 PM.
