RICHMOND, Va. – Two free COVID-19 community testing events have been scheduled for next week in the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.
The free testing is being offered for people who may not have insurance, or whose insurance does not cover COVID-19, who have COVID-19 symptoms, who are pregnant, are age 65 and older, or have underlying medical conditions
The testing events will be held on Tuesday, May 19 in Richmond and Thursday, May 21 in Henrico:
• Tuesday, May 19 – Diversity Richmond (event hall), 1407 Sherwood Ave., North Richmond
• Thursday, May 21 – Tuckahoe Middle School, 9000 Three Chopt Road, West Henrico
Testing will be conducted by appointment. To register, call the Richmond and Henrico hotline at 804-205-3501.
Walk up testing is available to persons who meet testing criteria, but is not guaranteed due to limited availability.
Health officials say COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted African Americans and other people of color in the City of Richmond.
On Thursday, Mayor Levar Stoney said 16 out of the 18 deaths COVID-19 related deaths in Richmond city were African Americans.
“I want to make it clear to our communities, particularly our most vulnerable communities. I'm committed to ensuring that the enhanced testing access that has been provided over the past several weeks will continue for the weeks and months ahead,” said Stoney. “As I've stated before, testing is one of the greatest weapons we have in our fight against COVID-19.