October 25, 2021
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, public information officer, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Next Four Fridays in Danville
Events Start at 3 p.m. at the Ballou Park Recreation Center
(DANVILLE, Va.) – The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will offer free drive-thru COVID-19 screening and testing on the next four Fridays — October 29 and November 5, 12 and 19– at the Ballou Park Recreation Center at 760 W. Main Street from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. or until supplies run out. The event plans to conduct 200 free tests. Please enter the site from the West Main Street entrance, then turn left towards the main parking lots.
“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 Director of the Pittsylvania-Danville and Southside Health Districts Scott Spillmann, MD, MPH. “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 is widespread, and we know the best protection for each of us comes from personal precautions, including wearing face coverings, practicing good hygiene, and social distancing and getting vaccinated. That’s how we protect ourselves and those around us.”
This drive-thru event is open to all ages. All persons must remain in the vehicle, and no walk-ups will be tested. Those seeking tests should be seated near a window of the vehicle.
“Those with symptoms of respiratory illness are encouraged to come and be tested, but anyone who seeks a test will receive one,” said Dr. Spillmann. “Everyone is welcome.”
Tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost to the individual. No appointment needed. This event is held in partnership with the City of Danville and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
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, VDH 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;
- Call your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms;
- 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 434-766-9828. Information on COVID-19 in Virginia is available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
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MEDIA NOTE:
News media access to these test sites is available ONLY by advance request and appointment. Access will be escorted, for the purposes of limited photography and videography from a distance. These measures are necessary to ensure patient privacy and operational security.
For more information and to request news media access, contact Brookie Crawford, public information officer, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov .