Need to get a COVID-19 test after the holidays? Here’s where to go and what to know
As people return from out of town or visitors leave after the holiday season, some are bound to get obligatory texts from loved ones saying they have been exposed to COVID-19.
With this comes an added need for testing as the omicron variant rapidly spreads throughout the United States.
As of Dec. 23, South Carolina has approximately 1,466 new cases and 14 confirmed deaths, according to the latest data from the Department of Health and Environmental Control. Beaufort County has at least 32 new cases and 14 new probable cases of the virus, the data shows. Additional COVID-19 data will not be available until Wednesday, Dec. 29, in observance of the holidays.
Below are several COVID-19 testing site locations and how to make an appointment.
Bluffton
Walgreens
Location: 868 Fording Island Road
The drive-thru testing site offers three free testing options for people over 3 years old for COVID-19, according to Walgreens’ website. The location offers polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, molecular rapid tests and antigen testing. The antigen results can be ready within an hour of administering the test, the website said, and rapid tests come back within 24 hours. The PCR results vary, but most come back within 72 hours of administering the test, the website said. At-home rapid antigen tests can be bought for as low as $9.99, and the lowest cost for an at-home PCR test is $99 at the store. Drive-thru exams can be scheduled online via a patient portal.
Doctor’s Urgent Care
Location: 64 Bluffton Road
Both PCR and rapid molecular tests are available at all Doctor’s Urgent Care locations, according to their website. No appointments are needed, but they do recommend you visit the location’s website to check for wait times. The Bluffton location is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekends. Those waiting for results of their rapid tests can also be tested for strep throat or flu, the website said. Rapid tests are subject to availability.
Beaufort area
Lowcountry Urgent Care
Location: 182 Sea Island Parkway on Lady’s Island
Lowcountry Urgent Care is participating in the Cares Act, according to its website. This allows the testing location to provide free COVID-19 tests to those without insurance. The location does not require an appointment and welcomes walk-ins, its website said. The site is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Lowcountry Urgent Care
Location: 272 Robert Smalls Parkway, Beaufort
No appointments are needed, but they are recommended and can be made online through a patient portal. The location is open weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is closed on weekends. Antibody testing, PCR and rapid testing are all available and can take up to 72 hours for results, according to their website. Testing is free for those without insurance and costs vary for those with insurance.
Hilton Head
Main Street Medical
Location: 93 North Main St.
PCR, rapid and antibody tests are available at the Main Street Medical location on Hilton Head. The location is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekends. Appointments are required at this location, but no referrals are needed. Appointments can be made online through a patient portal.
Sea Pines Circle Immediate Care
Location: 2 Greenwood Drive
The Sea Pines Circle Immediate Care testing location is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on weekends. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, body aches or shortness of breath will be required to wait in their car, according to the testing location’s website. No appointments are needed, but it is highly recommended to call ahead of time and relay your information over the phone to reduce the waiting time. Rapid tests, rapid antigen tests and PCR tests are available, but result turnaround time varies.
Who should get tested?
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
If you have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 but have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
If you are not fully vaccinated but have been in large crowds or indoor events with lots of people.
For vaccine locations or more information on how to protect you and your loved ones from the virus, visit the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s website or call 866-365-8110.
