Free Coronavirus Testing Event To Be Held In Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Rappahannock Area Health District is holding a community coronavirus testing event on Tuesday, June 30 in Fredericksburg. Testing will be available at no cost and is open to people age 16 and older. There will be 350 tests available at this event.

People do not have to have symptoms to be tested. The test administered will be a nasal swab that diagnoses active cases of the virus. Antibody testing will not be available at the event.

Testing will be conducted on a drive-thru basis, although walk-up testing will also be accommodated. Residents coming for drive-thru testing should be seated near a window of the vehicle. Those seeking walk-up testing should be careful of traffic and follow instructions to maintain social distancing at the event. All in attendance are asked to wear a cloth face covering.

The testing will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 400 Bragg Hill Drive in Fredericksburg. RAHD is holding the testing event in partnership with the city of Fredericksburg, the Fredericksburg Police Department and the Virginia National Guard.

“We encourage community members to come out and get tested for COVID-19,” Interim District Health Director Dr. Don Stern said Friday in a statement. “We know that many people with COVID-19 may only show mild symptoms or may not show any symptoms at all. ... By identifying active cases of COVID-19 through testing, we can provide guidance on isolation from others for a period of time to help interrupt the spread of the virus in our community.”

Community members seeking testing can register in advance by completing a form available at https://j.mp/3fXzToV. Day-of registrations will also be accepted.