SWABBED — More than 400 area residents took part in free COVID-19 testing offered in Weirton June 12-13, according to the Hancock County Health Department. None of those tests came back positive, health officials said. (Photo by Michael D. McElwain)

NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County Health Department reports no cases of COVID-19 were found during a recent free, public testing event in Weirton.

According to information provided by the health department Monday, 417 individuals received tests June 12-13 at the Weirton Event Center. Of those, no tests came back positive for the new coronavirus.

The testing was led by the Hancock County Health Department, the Brooke County Health Department and Hancock County Office of Emergency Services.

Support was provided by the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the West Virginia National Guard.

It was part of a statewide effort to increase COVID-19 testing opportunities for minorities and other vulnerable populations, although the testing is open to anyone wanting it.

“The initiative was to target residents who might struggle to be seen by a physician or who do not have insurance to pay for testing,” according to the health department’s report. “It provided free testing to anyone who wished to be tested including those that were asymptomatic.”

Of the 417 tested, according to the Hancock County Health Department, demographics indicated testing was performed for 36 African American residents, 374 Caucasian residents, one resident of Asian heritage, three indicating “other” and three of not indicated or unknown heritage.

A second testing has been set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the trackside area of Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort.

There is no charge for the test, and no proof of insurance is required, but those wishing to be screened are asked to bring proof of identification. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to be tested, and residents are asked to wear a mask or face covering to the testing site.