The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is partnering with Walgreens to provide Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen testing at selected Walgreens locations across the Commonwealth from now through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Four Walgreens locations will operate drive-thru COVID-19 testing at no cost. Testing locations may be expanded after the first of the year, pending the availability of additional federal funding.
“We are pleased to announce this public-private partnership that will help ensure increased access to COVID-19 testing at no cost for some of our most vulnerable communities,” said VDH Public Health and Preparedness Deputy Commissioner Dr. Parham Jaberi. The testing locations selected represent communities that lack a fixed testing location or have higher rates of vulnerable populations.”
VDH encourages the use of these tests for individuals who are symptomatic, those who have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, those at high risk of illness or complications and essential employees such as educators, childcare providers and healthcare providers.
“Walgreens has a long history of stepping up to support our customers and communities in times of need, and we’re pleased to be working in collaboration with Virginia health officials on their efforts to expand access to COVID-19 testing,” said Paul Blankenship, Walgreens regional vice president in Virginia.
Walgreens pharmacy teams will oversee the patient’s self-administration of a COVID-19 test, where test results will be processed at the pharmacy and provided to patients within 24 hours.
COVID-19 testing will be available by appointment to adults and children age 3 and older who meet screening criteria to receive a test. Appointments can be made by following the steps on Walgreens.com/COVID19Testing
Initial Walgreens COVID-19 testing locations are listed below.
· Collinsville, 3590 Virginia Ave
· North Dinwiddie, 26036 Cox Rd
· Richmond, 4845 Laburnum Ave
· South Boston, 3220 Halifax Rd
For a list of additional testing options visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/.
