RICHMOND, Va. -- COVID-19 testing will be available this week in two neighborhoods -- Woodman West and Henrico Arms.
"If you live in or near these neighborhoods and are experiencing respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath and cough or a fever, please call the Health District hotline at 804-205-3501 for information about testing opportunities," Richmond and Henrico Health Districts spokesperson George Jones said. "Other free COVID-19 testing is being offered this week for people who may not have insurance, or whose insurance does not cover COVID-19. The purpose of the onsite community location testing is to provide access to testing in vulnerable communities where residents may not have access."
Woodman West is off Woodman Road in Glen Allen and Henrico Arms is off Darbytown Road in eastern Henrico.
Richmond and Henrico Health District Director Danny Avula said another reason for the community outreached was to combat the virus in the African-American community.
"The data tells us that African Americans are carrying a higher burden of disease than their counterparts. And, you know, as we've talked about, it's not surprising, it continues to be frustrating and heartbreaking, but it is indicative of the underlying health disparities that we've known about for a long time," he said.
Call the Health District hotline at 804-205-3501 for more information.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.