Free COVID-19 Testing Sites

Recognizing the urgent need for expanded COVID-19 testing along the Grand Strand, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has partnered with Tidelands Health and other health care facilities to offer a large-scale community testing program in our region. Free testing events are scheduled at convenient sites throughout the area.

What You Need to Know

Testing is free and open to everyone ages 2 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.

Why Testing for COVID-19 is Important – Testing for COVID-19 is essential because it helps identify people who are infected with the virus, whether or not they have symptoms, so they can isolate themselves and keep those around them from becoming infected, especially at-risk individuals who can develop the life-threatening illness if they contract the virus.  

Free DHEC Testing

Be Positive You’re Negative – DHEC urges South Carolinians to be positive you're negative by routinely getting tested if you're regularly out in the community. Visit scdhec.gov/findatest for a testing location near you. DHEC-sponsored testing is free, doesn't require insurance, and results are available within 72 hours. If it has been more than 72 hours since you were tested, you can email CustomerService@dhec.sc.gov or call the Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 to inquire about your test results.

Myrtle Beach and Conway public health department clinics also offer free COVID-19 testing. Community partners, CVS Pharmacy, health care facilities and other organizations also offer COVID-19 testing. Some of these partner events may require an appointment. DHEC provides as much of this information as possible online.

Free Drive-Thru Testing

The testing events are open to all individuals. Pre-screening is not required.  
 

View List of Testing Sites

What to do if a Team Member Tests Positive

• Employee Screening Information
• What to do if a Worker Becomes Sick
• Guidance for Persons Who Have Tested Positive

COVID-19 Hotlines

Have a general question about COVID-19? Call the DHEC Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. 

If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line at 1-866-365-8110 is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. You also can visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions page. This webpage is regularly updated with new questions and science-based, factual information.

For mental health or substance abuse services related to COVID-19, call SC HOPES at 1-844-724-6737 (1-844-SC-HOPES). Open 24/7.

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

WHO CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT? 

• All South Carolinians age 16 and older
   

FIND VACCINE PROVIDER LOCATIONS BY:

1. Using scdhec.gov/vaxlocator to see locations accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccine. 

2. DHEC COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line > 1-866-365-8110
   People who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines or who need help finding vaccine providers and their contact information are asked to call the DHEC COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line. Staff is answering calls from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. You also can visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions page. This webpage is regularly updated with new questions and science-based, factual information.

For more information about who is included in each phase of the state's vaccination plan and the timelines for each phase, please click here.
 

Learn More