Free At-Home COVID Tests Available From Local Libraries Through New VDH Program

VIRGINIA — Free at-home COVID-19 tests will be available at libraries in the Alexandria and Fredericksburg areas, thanks to a new partnership with the Virginia Department of Health. The tests will be available at Alexandria Public Library and Central Rappahannock Regional Library locations until Dec. 31.

Residents near participating library locations will be able to pick up their COVID-19 test card and complete the virtually guided experience in the comfort of their own home. Those who choose to take an at-home test can receive their results in about 15 minutes.

Officials with the Virginia Department of Health hope that this partnership with 18 library systems will increase test accessibility in rural, remote, or under-resourced communities around the state.

Dr. Laurie Folano, deputy director of epidemiology for the Virginia Department of Health, said the department is "pleased to work with public libraries to provide another testing option for our community and to increase accessibility."

"Testing continues to be important to stop the spread of COVID-19, particularly as we enter the holiday season when people gather," Folano said in a news release Tuesday.

As the holiday season nears, public health officials around the region are urging residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Alexandria, Prince William and Loudoun County currently have "substantial" levels of community transmission, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The City of Fredericksburg, Stafford County, and Spotsylvania County have "high" levels of community transmission.

"Northern Virginia residents have continually shown that we can work together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic - through testing, vaccination and staying home when sick," said Dr. David C. Rose, health director for the City of Alexandria. "We all need to keep up our defenses throughout the expected winter surge in cases."

Even as vaccination rates across the state continue to increase, public health officials urge residents to take precautions where possible. This year, the Virginia Department of Health's recommendations for holiday gatherings include the following:

• Get all eligible members of your family fully vaccinated, including booster shots, if appropriate.
  
• Wear a mask indoors when around those not in your household.
• Stay home when sick.
• Socially distance — stay six feet from others as much as possible.
• Avoid crowded and indoor areas where distancing is not possible, or where you will be in close contact with those whose vaccination status is unknown.
• If you think you may have COVID-19 or may have been exposed, get tested and follow guidelines for isolation and quarantine.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available. This will help prevent many diseases, including the seasonal flu.
• If you are not fully vaccinated, stay away from others and get tested 3-5 days after returning home from travel.