June 8, 2020
Media Contact: Lisa Laurier, 804-815-1790
Free Drive-Thru Community Testing for COVID-19 on June 11, 2020
(Saluda, Va.) – Three Rivers Health District in conjunction with Essex County government, the Three Rivers Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Essex County Emergency Services, and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, is holding a drive-thru testing event to test for COVID-19. The event will be held on June 11, 2020 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Essex County High School, 833 High School Circle, Tappahannock VA.
Testing is open to those over the age of two. You do not have to have any symptoms to be tested. This testing event does not include antibody testing.
“It is very important to expand our testing efforts during our phased reopening,” said Dr. Richard Williams, Three Rivers Health District director. “We need to monitor our communities closely to understand the prevalence of COVID-19 infection and transmission. Testing will be key to our containment efforts.”
We plan to follow up this drive-thru testing event on the Middle Peninsula with further testing events throughout the Three Rivers Health District. Testing efforts will be conducted in conjunction with robust case investigation, isolation and quarantine efforts. Those activities will be our primary line of defense and protection against this disease.
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe illness. The virus continues to display a wide range of pathologic effects. “Masking in public will be particularly important to prevent the spread of this virus from people with no symptoms,” Dr. Williams said. “It is important to realize that by wearing a face covering, we are protecting all those around us. This disease is a threat to all of us, including our children and grandchildren.”
Remember, if you are sick at all, even if your symptoms do not feel like COVID 19, stay at home and consult your health care provider. The virus can masquerade as many other diseases, and can fool us all. Difficulty breathing remains a sign of possible serious disease; if this develops, seek help very quickly.
The Virginia Department of Health has activated a public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343), for questions from residents about the novel coronavirus situation. Please consult www.vdh.virgina.gov/coronavirus for the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia.