June 17, 2020
Media Contacts: 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
Mount Rogers Health District Offers Ongoing Testing, Protest Participants Encouraged to Consider Publicly Available COVID-19 Tests
(Marion, Va.) — Mount Rogers Health District continues to offer COVID-19 testing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at six local health departments. Those who have been in large groups at protests are especially encouraged to be tested for COVID-19.
Individuals who have attended protests may be at higher risk of infection of COVID-19. VDH encourages protesters to wear face coverings, wash hands frequently, stay six feet apart from others in crowds, and, if symptoms appear, stay home and call their health care provider.
All Virginians may get tested if they experience symptoms of COVID-19 or if they believe they have been exposed to others with infections. Health departments in Bristol, Washington, Smyth, Wythe, Carroll, and Galax are offering COVID-19 testing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, by appointment.
Find publicly-available tests at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/.
Call the local health department to schedule a test. Numbers are on the website. Testing is also available through some local health care systems and providers.
“We support everyone’s right to protest, but we also want people to be safe. People can have COVID-19 and not show symptoms or have only mild symptoms and unknowingly spread the virus to others. For some people, particularly those with underlying health conditions, the virus can be life-threatening. We urge people who have symptoms such as fever and cough to stay home and to get tested,” said Karen Shelton MD, health director.
VDH encourages individuals to talk with their health care provider about questions. The Department will continue to monitor and respond to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak while supporting Virginians’ right to engage in civic action.
Access VDH’s online symptom checker, CovidCheck at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covidcheck/
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