February 9, 2022
Media Contact: Public Information Officer Megan Shearin, Megan.Shearin@vdh.virginia.gov, 757-805-7081
Norfolk Health Department Transitioning COVID-19 Testing to Various Locations
NORFOLK, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health is transitioning to a mobile testing initiative, a vendor operated van with testing staff that will travel throughout the eastern region in support of expanding testing to vulnerable communities that have limited access to testing.
With this transition, the last day for operation at the Community Testing Center at the Norfolk Military Circle Mall will be Thursday, February 10. Plans are underway for the mobile testing unit to operate throughout the eastern region and travel to multiple cities, including Norfolk.
The testing vendor will offer free Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 to individuals 3 months and older. PCR test results are usually available within a few days, and are very effective in detecting an active COVID-19 infection, even if asymptomatic.
The new testing initiative will be in addition to existing community-based testing events and other testing activities offered in the community. Testing remains an important tool to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is important to understand when one needs to seek testing. The following are reasons to get tested for COVID-19.
Individuals interested in receiving a free test at a community testing site can schedule an appointment online through the VASE+ website 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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