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WINTON – Hertford County, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), is expanding no-cost COVID-19 virus testing capacity as part of a recently announced partnership between the State of North Carolina and OptumServe.

These new community testing events build on North Carolina’s ongoing work to increase access to testing and slow viral spread.

Drive-thru testing began Oct. 5 in the main parking lot of the Hertford County Courthouse, located at 15 Justice Drive, Winton. It will operate weekdays from 8 am until 5 pm.

While walk-ups are accepted, residents are encouraged to register and schedule an appointment at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 877-562-4850. Please note that phone registration should only be used for people without internet access or are registering a minor for a test.

Anyone who meets the virus testing criteria can be tested, including people who are underinsured, uninsured, undocumented or homeless.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can be found on the state website.

“Testing is a core element of North Carolina’s response to this pandemic and that means making sure cost and access challenges never act as a barrier to a needed test. As we continue expanding free community testing options, we’re helping North Carolinians to stay informed about their health and help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D.

OptumServe has expertise in rapidly deploying and setting up health care services. Led by former Army Surgeon General and retired Lieutenant General Patty Horoho, RN, OptumServe has performed more than one million tests at community-based testing sites across the country.

For more information, please check the county’s website at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/find-my-testing-place/pop-testing-sites and, as always, please remember to keep practicing social distancing and washing your hands regularly.