GETTING INFORMATION — Sandy Rogers, with the Brooke County Health Department, recorded some information from someone wanting a free COVID-19 test in Weirton on Friday. Hundreds from around the area took advantage of the drive-through service at the Weirton Event Center on Friday and Saturday. -- Michael D. McElwain

WEIRTON — The waiting line was steady as hundreds from the area took advantage of a free COVID-19 screening test.

The two-day event was held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Weirton Event Center. Local health departments, in conjunction with the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs and other state offices, hosted the testing site.

“We are hosting walk-ups and, of course, drive-through testing, and so far it’s been running very well,” Jackie Huff, Hancock County Health Department administrator, said Friday afternoon. “It’s been a steady stream of people wanting to get tested.”

In just four hours after opening, 160 tests were administered Friday.

“We get the information needed, test by use of a nasal swab, and the results should be back in a couple of days,” Huff said. “As far as the test itself, from start to finish it takes about five minutes.”

The Hancock County screening was part of a statewide effort to increase COVID-19 testing opportunities for minorities and other vulnerable populations, but was open to anyone wishing to be tested.

The test site was led by the Hancock County Health Department, the Brooke County Health Department and Hancock County Office of Emergency Services. In addition to the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the West Virginia National Guard were involved in the planning.

Huff said 25 nurses and volunteers worked at the testing site, and LabCorp took the samples for testing.

Testing was free and open to anyone wishing to receive one. No proof of insurance was required, but those wishing to be screened were asked to bring proof of identification.

Huff thanked the Brooke County Health Department, CHANGE, Inc., Weirton city officials, the volunteer nurse corps and Weirton Transit among other entities.

“Since we got this order through the governor and were tasked with performing these tests, it has come together well, and we need to thank everyone involved,” Huff said.