COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. – Rite Aid is opening a new COVID-19 self-swab testing site in the Richmond area.
Self-testing will begin at the Rite Aid located at 3210 Boulevard in Colonial Heights on Thursday, April 23.
The testing site will utilize self-swab tests and will be self-administered in the store’s parking lot and overseen by Rite Aid pharmacists.
Testing will be free to eligible individuals who meet criteria established by the CDC.
The company says the testing will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rite Aid expects to be able to conduct more than 200 tests a day.
The Colonial Heights location is one of only 25 self-swab testing sites opened across eight states through its partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human.
Rite Aid says they will have the capacity to conduct nearly 5,000 tests daily across all locations.
Patients must be 18 years old and will be required to pre-register and schedule appointments online.
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.