January 12, 2022
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov
Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Free COVID-19 Testing Event Held This Month
DANVILLE, Va. – Virginia Department of Health’s Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will offer free COVID-19 testing this month. Testing will take place Saturday, January 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Riceville/Java EMS Station at 1604 Riceville Road in Java.
Tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost. No insurance is required and no appointment or advanced registration is needed. Walk-ups are accepted.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is a proven test for detecting active infection. PCR may also reveal fragments even after the virus appears to be gone. The test is performed by using a swab to collect a respiratory specimen with results expected to be available approximately three days following the test.
“The goal of providing these free testing opportunities to the citizens of our community is to help prevent further spread of the virus and to assist in keeping our healthcare systems from being overwhelmed,” said Director of Pittsylvania-Danville and Southside Health Districts Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH. “Our hospital emergency rooms and rescue squads need to be reserved for medical emergencies, so if you’re seeking a COVID test and it is not an emergency, please utilize our community testing events or arrange for testing at one of our retail pharmacy partners.”
Testing is available to all ages. However, a parent or guardian must 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 come in close contact with someone known or suspected to have COVID-19.
-
- Fully vaccinated people should be tested three to five 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 traveler who have recently returned from travel with some exceptions for fully vaccinated people.
- Those who are not fully vaccinated and who plan to visit people at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
For more information about this event, call (434) 713-5199 or (434) 766-9800. 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.
For those still needing a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit 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.
# # #