The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will offer free drive-thru COVID-19 screening and testing on Friday, June 5 at O. T. Bonner Middle School, 300 Apollo Ave. in Danville, and Saturday, June 6 at Chatham Middle School, 11650 U.S. Highway 29 in Chatham. Both testing sites will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or as long as supplies last. One thousand tests will be available at each site.
(Access to Apollo Ave. and the Bonner Middle School site on Friday will be from Audubon Drive only, NOT from Piney Forest Road.)
“We are pleased to announce these community-wide testing events, and these test results will give us a good indicator of the prevalence of the disease in our community,” said Scott Spillmann, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. “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 has been widespread since late March, and we know the best protection for each of us comes from personal precautions, including wearing face coverings, practicing good hygiene and social distancing. That’s how we protect ourselves and those around us.”
These are drive-thru events. Testing is available to those age 10 years and older. 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,” added Dr. Spillmann. “Everyone is welcome.”
Tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No insurance is needed. No appointment is needed. This is a free service. This event is held in partnership with the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County and the Virginia Department of Health. Additional testing opportunities are being planned.
To protect yourself and healthcare workers, please wear a cloth face covering or mask. Please keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and other people at all times. Please 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, the Virginia Department of Health 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 if soap and water are not available;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
- If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor;
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public; and
- Avoid close contact with crowds of any size, and avoid any crowd of more than 10 people.
For more information, call 434-766-9828 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/pittsylvania-danville, www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.