The Virginia National Guard will be conducting mass COVID-19 testing events in the Mount Rogers Health District from Dec. 14 to 19 as a result of high regional positivity rates.
These events are free, open to the public, and do not require an appointment or advance registration. Testing will be at all sites from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Virginia National Guard is only able to test those 16 and older.
“COVID-19 percent positivity is at an alarming 24.2% in Mount Rogers Health District,” said Dr. Karen Shelton, director of Mount Rogers Health District. “This tells us that we need more testing in our region. We have partnered with the National Guard and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to bring these resources to our community.”
“It is safest to avoid gathering with anyone outside of your household over the upcoming holidays,” continued Shelton. “However, if you plan to gather anyway, please protect your loved ones by getting tested and then staying home until you gather.”
Abingdon is the first stop for testing, with the Guard taking up residence at Abingdon High School’s lower parking lot on Dec. 14.
On Tuesday, Dec. 15, testing will be at First Baptist Church on East Stuart Drive in Galax. On Wednesday, testing is set for Marion Senior High School’s parking lot. Carroll County High School will play host, in its lower parking lot, on Dec. 17. Testing will be at Cumberland Square Park in Bristol, Virginia, on Dec. 18. On Dec. 19, testing will be conducted on the Wytheville Community College campus at Smyth Hall parking lot.
