Drive-thru screening site to close today

SeHealth announced that it will be closing its drive-thru COVID-19 screening site, which opened on the grounds of Southeastern Health Park on Saturday, today, March 24, at 1 pm.

The closure is based upon recommendations released on Monday, March 23, by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services stating that patients with mild symptoms consistent with COVID-19 not be tested but stay home to recover.

According to these new guidelines, unnecessary testing could spread the virus at testing sites and deplete personal protective equipment resources that may be needed to protect frontline healthcare workers.

The guidelines also say that for those with mild symptoms, test results would have no impact on management of the illness and is, therefore, unnecessary.

Testing will be reserved for patients whose symptoms are so severe that they require hospitalization to manage their illness.

During two and a half days of operations, more than 140 individuals visited the health park drive-thru screening site. Most were pre-screened, and, having no symptoms, not eligible for flu, strep or COVID-19 testing.

Lumberton Rescue Unit provided tents and supplies, and Robeson County Sheriff’s Department provided a mobile center for security to support the screening site effort.

“We greatly appreciate the support of these community partners,” said SeHealth Vice President and SRMC COO Jason Cox. “Their involvement enabled us to mobilize quickly and efficiently to provide a service for the community during this unprecedented time in healthcare.”

Get ongoing updates and resources from Southeastern Health related to COVID-19.