COVID-19 Cases From Myrtle Beach On The Rise; State Offers Free Testing In Southern W.Va

State and local health officials have arranged for free testing in Boone, Lincoln, McDowell, Raleigh and Wyoming counties next week. 

Testing is free, and people don’t need to have symptoms or insurance to get it. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources does require identification, though, like a driver’s license. 

Both the Cabell and Kanawha health departments said their staff are investigating at least five cases of COVID-19, all related to recent travel to the Myrtle Beach area. 

This comes after the Preston County Health Department identified another cluster of positive cases earlier this week, which also were linked to recent Myrtle Beach trips. 

Contact tracers in Cabell County are investigating the situation. The local health department advises anyone who might have the disease to quarantine. 

This comes roughly a week after state health experts shared concerns regarding an increased potential for disease spread in the southern counties, following church outbreaks and a likely increase in out of state tourists. 

The testing sites in southern West Virginia are at the following locations:

Monday, June 22

• Oceana, Wyoming County: Berlin McKinney Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
• Pineville, Wyoming County: Palisades Park from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 23

• Mullens, Wyoming County: The city parking lot at 316 Howard Avenue from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Beckley, Raleigh County: Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, June 24

• Racine, Boone County: 446 John Slack Circle from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Thursday, June 25

• Hanover, Wyoming County: 374 Lizard Creek Park Road from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Friday, June 26

• Bradshaw, McDowell County: River View High School from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Monday, June 29

• Hamlin, Lincoln County: Lincoln County High School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Emily Allen is a Report for America corps member.