April 22, 2020
Media Contact: Robert Parker, public information officer, Western Region, robert.parker@vdh.virginia.gov
Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Hold Drive-Thru Testing for COVID-19 in Scott and Russell Counties
— Testing is by appointment only; sites are closed to the public. —
(WISE, Virginia) — The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts have activated drive-thru testing sites for COVID-19 at locations in Scott and Russell counties.
These sites are closed to the public. Testing resources are limited, and only those who are pre-screened and approved for testing will be admitted, and only by appointment.
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 ID to the testing site. To avoid lengthy wait times, please come to the site at your appointed time and bring your documentation with you.
The Scott County Health Department (276-386-1312) will hold a site at the Gate City Middle and High School parking lot on Harry Fry Drive in Gate City on Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Russell County Health Department (276-889-7621) will hold a site at the Russell County Government Center, 139 Highlands Drive in Lebanon on Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Call centers are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All available testing appointments are filled for the Gate City site (April 23), and may fill up for the Lebanon site (April 24). If sites are filled, you may request to be added to a waiting list in the event there are cancellations or no-shows, provided you can respond on relatively short notice.
Additional testing sites and dates are being planned.
“Testing is important epidemiologically and helps us determine the prevalence of disease in our community,” said Sue Cantrell, M.D., director of the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts, “but because capacity is limited we will screen for those at highest risk. As we continue to test, we expect to have more positive cases.”
“In the vast majority of cases, testing does not inform our recommendations for your medical care,” Dr. Cantrell 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/lenowisco www.vdh.virginia.gov/cumberlandplateau, www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
MEDIA NOTE: News media access to these sites is limited, and is only for the purposes of photography and videography from a distance. These measures are necessary to ensure patient privacy and operational security.