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Franklin City Manager Amanda C. Jarratt reported to the City Council on Sept. 27 that emergency rooms were becoming overrun with COVID-19 testing requests. She emphasized the importance of citizens taking advantage of the free COVID-19 testing taking place at Bon Secours – Southampton Memorial Hospital’s Satellite Lab.

“The Western Tidewater Health District has partnered with Southampton Memorial Hospital to offer COVID-19 testing at the satellite lab on a first come, first serve basis,” Jarratt said Tuesday, Oct. 5.

A health district press release stated that the Virginia Department of Health would be providing the free COVID-19 testing at the satellite lab from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 27.

The lab is located at 102 Fairview Drive in Franklin.

The release continued by stating that those seeking a free test are asked to enter through the main entrance, take the first left, and the satellite lab will be straight ahead.

All are welcome, the release noted, and no registration is needed. Attendees can expect to receive the results of this PCR test within 72 hours. Rapid tests will be offered to those who fit the screening criteria.

For questions about the event logistics or services provided, call 757-514-4766.