Virginia Department of Health’s Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will offer two free COVID-19 testing opportunities this month.
Staff from the health district will conduct testing on Friday, December 17 and Thursday, December 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. inside the Danville Farmers’ Market at 629 Craghead St. Appointments are not necessary; the first 100 individuals will be eligible to be tested at no cost each day.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is a proven test for detecting active infection. PCR may also reveal fragments even after the virus appears to be gone. The test is performed by using a swab to collect a respiratory specimen with results expected to be available one to three days following the test.
“As an additional safety measure during this holiday season, we feel it is important to offer COVID-19 testing this month,” said Director of Pittsylvania-Danville and Southside Health Districts Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH. “We want everyone to take the necessary steps to protect their own health, in addition to the wellbeing of their friends and loved ones during this time when gatherings and travel are common. Anyone who wants to be tested, especially those with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, is encouraged to attend.”
As people tend to spend more time indoors and with others this time of year, public health leaders remind everyone to keep these preventative measures in mind:
- Get all eligible family members fully vaccinated, including booster shots.
- Wear a mask indoors when around those not residing in your household.
- Stay home when sick.
- Socially distance – stay six feet from others as much as possible.
- Avoid crowded and indoor areas where distancing is not possible, or where you will be in close contact with those whose vaccination status is unknown.
- If you suspect you may have COVID-19 or may have been exposed, get tested and follow guidelines for isolation and quarantine.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, stay away from others and get tested 3-5 days after returning home from travel.
As COVID-19 continues to be a threat to our community with potential surges, remember continued use of mitigation strategies works to keep all of us safer against viruses.
For additional questions, call VDH COVID-19 hotline at 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343). To learn more about vaccination for COVID-19 in Virginia, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-faq/vaccination/