December 27, 2021
Media Contact: Lorrie Andrew-Spear, lorrie.andrew-spear@vdh.virginia.gov
Piedmont Health District Offers Free COVID-19 Testing Events in January and February
FARMVILLE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s Piedmont Health District will offer free COVID-19 PCR (nasal swab) Testing at events at two locations. Tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost to the patient, while supplies last. Walk-ups are accepted. No insurance needed. No appointment or advanced registration needed.
Prince Edward-Farmville Youth Association Gymnasium
2750 Layne St., Farmville, VA 23901
- Monday, Jan. 3 from 1-4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 1-4 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 31 from 1-4 p.m.
- Monday, Feb. 14 from 1-4 p.m.
Buckingham County Public Library
16266 N. James Madison Highway, Dillwyn, VA 23936
- Monday, Jan. 10, from Noon-3 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 24 from Noon-3 p.m.
- Monday, Feb. 7 from Noon-3 p.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 22 from Noon-3 p.m.
“Anyone who gathered with others this holiday season, who may have symptoms of a respiratory illness or who has been exposed to COVID-19 is encouraged to get tested to prevent spreading COVID-19 to friends and loved ones.” said Piedmont Health District Director Maria Almond, MD, MPH. “Testing is an important tool to keep everyone safe this winter.”
The testing event will use the three-day PCR test. A rapid test option is not available. Testing is available to all ages. However, a parent or guardian should accompany anyone under 18 years old.
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.
- VDH recommends that the following people be tested for COVID-19:
- Those with symptoms or signs of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.
- Those who have had close contact with someone known or suspected to have COVID-19.
- Fully-vaccinated people should be tested five to seven days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms.
- People who are not fully vaccinated should be tested immediately after an exposure, and again five to seven days following exposure if the first test is negative.
- Those who participate in activities that are higher risk for COVID-19 exposure (e.g. travel, attending large events where social distancing is not possible, or being in crowded indoor settings).
- Those who have been referred for COVID-19 testing by their healthcare provider or the health department.
- Those who plan to travel or who have recently returned from travel with some exceptions for fully vaccinated
- Those who are not fully vaccinated and who plan to visit people at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
“It’s critical that we reserve our hospital emergency rooms and rescue squads for medical emergencies, so if you’re seeking a COVID test and it is not an emergency, please utilize our community testing events or testing at one of our retail pharmacy partners,” Dr. Almond said.
For questions about COVID-19 testing or a list of testing locations, visit the VDH website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Anyone still needing a COVID-19 vaccine is encouraged to visit www.vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.
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MEDIA NOTE:
News media access to this test site 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 Emergency Coordinator Chris Thompson at (434) 392-3984, ext. 101 or christopher.thompson@vdh.virginia.gov.