To assist public health officials contain the spread of COVID-19 in overlooked, under-tested, underserved and/or uninsured communities, Faith Based Leaders and the Peninsula Health Department are partnering with Sentara Healthcare in offering free testing throughout the state of Virginia.
Testing is for individuals experiencing at least one COVID-19 symptom, living or working in a group setting, or an essential worker at high-risk for exposure. Symptoms or combinations of symptoms include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Feeling feverish
- Body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhea
- In the elderly, there may also be a change in behavior and/or appetite.
Free testing priority given to the communities underserved and uninsured; those working high-risk jobs for transmission; those living in a group setting with high risk of exposure; public housing; homeless; and senior citizens with symptoms.
Testing will occur at three locations across our area:
June 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Chickahominy Baptist Church, 2900 Chickahominy Road
July 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Williamsburg House of Mercy, 10 Harrison Avenue
July 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Little Zion Baptist Church, 8625 Pocahontas Trail
Testing is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. Tents and tables will be set up.
Participants can choose between a “drive-through option” or “walk-up” option. Adherence to social distancing must be followed at all times. Testing event lines will cut-off 15 minutes prior to testing end time to help ensure each site wraps up in a timely manner so the team can travel to the next location. Those in line before that cut-off, will be seen as long as tests are available.
Testing is completely free and confidential. Sentara Healthcare staff perform all nasal swab testing. They will call all residents with their results, both negative and positive, within 72 hours of test collection. However, it may take longer in certain circumstances. Positive results are the team’s first priority.
For more information, contact the Peninsula Health Department at 757-594-7069.
Thank you to our community testing event partners: Williamsburg House of Mercy, Chickahominy Baptist Church, Chickahominy Community Improvement Organization, New Zion Baptist Church, Little Zion Baptist Church, Sentara Healthcare, Peninsula Health Department, Tricounty Pastors Council, Williamsburg Health Foundation, James City County and the City of Williamsburg.
Media Contact:
Peninsula Health Department
757-594-7069