May 11, 2020
Media Contact:Robert Parker, public information officer, Western Region, robert.parker@vdh.virginia.gov or Breanne Forbes Hubbard, population health manager, Breanne.forbes-hubbard@vdh.virginia.gov, 276-759-8297
COVID-19 Testing Available at Local Health Departments in Mount Rogers Health District
(MARION, Virginia) – Mount Rogers Health District is offering ongoing, drive-thru testing at local health departments for COVID-19. Testing is by appointment only, and will be offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting on Monday, May 18, 2020.
In order to be approved for testing, you must call in advance for a screening interview. Those that are approved for testing will receive an appointment time, a testing number and/or an emailed authorization letter. If you do not have access to email, you must bring a valid I.D. to the testing site.
When you come for your appointment, you must remain in your vehicle and wear a face covering. Additional instructions will be provided at the testing site.
Testing will be offered at the
- Bristol City Health Department, 205 Piedmont Avenue, Bristol. To be screened for testing at this site, call 276-642-7335.
- Washington County Health Department, 15068 Lee Highway, Bristol. To be screened for testing at this site, call 276-676-5604.
- Smyth County Health Department, 201 Francis Marion Lane, Marion. To be screened for testing at this site, call 276-781-7460.
- Wythe County Health Department, 290 South 6th Street, Wytheville. To be screened for testing at this site, call 276-228-5507.
- Carroll County Health Department, 605-15 Pine Street, Hillsville. To be screened for testing at this site, call 276-730-3180.
- Galax City Health Department, 502 S Main Street, Galax. To be screened for testing at this site, call 276-236-6127.
“Testing is important epidemiologically and helps us determine the prevalence of disease in our community,” said Karen Shelton, MD, director, Mount Rogers Health District. “As we continue to test, we expect to have more positive cases.”
“In the vast majority of cases, testing does not inform recommendations for your medical care,” Dr. Shelton continued. “The best protection for each of us comes from taking personal precautions, including staying at home, practicing good hygiene and social distancing. That’s how YOU stay well, and how you protect those around you today, your family and friends, and our communities.”
To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages everyone to:
- Stay home, except for essential travel;
- If you must go out in public, wear a cloth face covering;
- Stay home if 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 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 close contact with crowds of any size, and avoid any crowd of more than 10 people.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information online, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.