More testing is key to stopping the spread of coronavirus, and eventually re-opening Virginia’s economy. That’s one of Governor Ralph Northam’s latest messages. In line with that strategy, Richmond will expand efforts at community testing this week.
Richmond is hosting three testing events in the city’s public housing communities: Monday at Hillside Court, Tuesday at Creighton Court, and Thursday at Gilpin Court.
Need to be Tested? Call 804-205-3501 to make an appointment at one of the community testing events.
“We’re trying to stand up mass testing in public housing communities and other communities of concentrated poverty for low-income African-American and Hispanic residents,” local health department director Danny Avula said in a recent phone interview.
That’s in line with expanded testing guidelines from the state. Karen Remley, a former health commissioner who’s now helping guide the state’s testing strategy, says the Department of Health is now recommending testing for Virginians who are considered high risk.
“And that includes people with chronic disease, pregnant women, babies born to mother with COVID, and the uninsured and underinsured,” Remley said during Friday’s press conference.
Richmond officials say they’ve chosen this week’s testing sites based on those guidelines, plus they’re targeting neighborhoods where many households have four or more residents.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
