Testing Site Reaches Capacity At Fairfax Schools Headquarters

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The drive-thru testing event for Fairfax County Public Schools reached capacity Thursday afternoon, the school district announced.

As of 1:24 p.m., FCPS said the testing site at Gatehouse Administration Center reached capacity. Vehicles currently waiting on Gatehouse Road are expected to be allowed in. The event had been originally scheduled until 4 p.m. FCPS says the testing is only intended for FCPS staff and students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Another testing event is planned Friday, Dec. 31. Check back Friday for updates from FCPS on the event capacity.

The school district is providing voluntary drive-thru testing from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 30 and 31 before students return from winter break on Jan. 3 in light of rising cases and the more contagious omicron variant spreading. Families were asked to register through an online portal in advance and have the student ID number on hand at the event.

After these two testing events, diagnostic testing will resume on Jan. 3 at different FCPS locations each week. These events are geared toward students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or those in close contact with a positive case.

Another testing option opened nearby on Thursday. Inova Health System is offering vehicle-side testing by appointment for symptomatic individuals only at 2990 Telestar Ct., Falls Church, VA. The site offers PCR testing with results in 24 to 48 hours. Inova had discouraged individuals with mild symptoms or no symptoms from visiting emergency rooms and rather contact their primary care provider or visit a community testing site.

Other testing options can be found with the Virginia Department of Health's searchable map.

SEE ALSO: Test-To-Stay Program Coming To Fairfax Schools In January