The Chesterfield Health District will offer four free COVID-19 testing events around the Thanksgiving holiday.
The following testing events are available for symptomatic individuals or contacts of a known COVID-19 case:
· Saturday, November 21, Chesterfield Health Department, 9501 Lucy Corr Circle, Smith-Wagner Building, multipurpose room, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
· Monday, November 23, Second Baptist Church, 5100 W Hundred Road, 2-3 p.m.
· Tuesday, November 24, Walmsley United Methodist Church, 2950 Walmsley Blvd., 4-5 p.m.
· Monday, November 30, Second Baptist Church, 5100 W Hundred Road, 2-3 p.m.
Symptoms of COVID-19 infection can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle pain, or new loss of taste or smell.
Tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No insurance is needed. No appointment is needed. This is a free service.
“We are pleased to bring this testing event to our community and encourage residents to come get tested. Test results from this community-wide testing event will give us a good indicator of the prevalence of the disease in our community,” said Chesterfield Health District Director Dr. Alexander Samuel “But test results are only part of the picture and a negative test today is not a vaccine; it doesn’t protect you from a possible exposure tomorrow. We know community transmission of COVID-19 has been widespread since late March, and we know the best protection for each of us comes from personal precautions, including wearing face coverings, washing your hands and watching your social distancing. That’s how we protect ourselves and those around us.”
To protect yourself and healthcare workers, wear a cloth face covering or mask. Keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and other people at all times. Be sure to tell the testing providers if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, deep cough or shortness of breath, or believe that you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages everyone to:
· Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness. If you must go out in public, wear a cloth face covering;
· Stay home when you are sick;
· Avoid contact with sick people;
· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer ONLY if soap and water are not available;
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
· If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor;
· Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public; and avoid crowds of people.
For more information about this event, call (804) 318-8207. Information on COVID-19 in Virginia is available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
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