Free COVID Testing Events Return To Loudoun County

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Free COVID testing events are returning to Loudoun County, the health department announced on Friday. The events will be held on a twice-monthly basis beginning next week.

The county ceased the free testing events over the summer when cases began to dwindle. However, with the surge in cases due to the virus's delta variant, COVID tests regained their importance.

Dr. David Goodfriend is the director of the Loudoun County Health Department. "We encourage people to get tested if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and a new loss of taste or smell or if they have been potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status," Dr. Goodfriend said. "There are a number of testing options in the community and I encourage anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to get evaluated and tested promptly, either privately or through one of the county’s testing events."

The health department's testing events will be held twice per month on Tuesdays, beginning on Sept. 7.

• Sept. 7
  • Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park, 42405 Claudia Drive, Leesburg
  • Visitors should enter on Crosstrail Boulevard from Sycolin Road.
• Sept. 21.
  • Claude Moore Park, 46150 Loudoun Park Lane in Sterling
• Oct. 5
  • Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville
  • Visitors should follow signs for the baseball field's parking lot.
• Oct. 19
  • Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park, 42405 Claudia Drive, Leesburg
  • Visitors should enter on Crosstrail Boulevard from Sycolin Road.

The testing events will use PCR tests from a nasal swab. There are no age or residency requirements for the tests. The health department also noted that people do not have to show symptoms of COVID-19 in order to receive a test.

See also: New Vaccine Site Announced At Loudoun County Elementary School

Dr. Goodfriend also outlined recommendations for people as they await the results of their test. "You should stay home and away from others if you have symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of your vaccination status; or if you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and you are not fully vaccinated."

More information about COVID vaccines and testing is available on the health department's website.