Mary Washington Healthcare and the Rappahannock Area Health District have partnered to bring COVID-19 testing to the Fredericksburg Region, expanding the reach and accessibility of care for the area’s most vulnerable citizens. RAHD will provide testing supplies and logistical support and MWHC will provide trained clinical staff to administer the tests.
Xavier Richardson, MWHC Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, says the partnership is a natural fit because the organizations share a mission to address the health needs of the communities they serve. “We are pleased to collaborate once again with the health department to address local concerns, including emergent health issues,” he said.
Dr. Joe Saitta, Incident Commander for RAHD’s COVID-19 response, is also grateful for the collaborative relationship between the health department and the health system. “We’re very pleased to work with Mary Washington Healthcare in expanding community testing in our area. While COVID-19 has posed many challenges, it has also demonstrated the strength of our community to address these challenges through collaboration and partnerships.”
The first testing event will take place at the Arm of the Lord Ministries Church, located at 2100 Airport Avenue in Fredericksburg on Wednesday, September 9, from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged but not mandatory. To register in advance, please visit https://is.gd/MayfieldTesting.
A second event is scheduled Saturday, September 12, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at King George Elementary School. Future events are being scheduled at a variety of locations throughout Planning District 16, which includes the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford and the City of Fredericksburg.
Testing is available at no cost and is open to individuals age 16 and older. Those attending do not need to have symptoms to be tested. The test administered will use a nasal swab that diagnoses active cases of the virus and results will be available approximately three days after receiving the test. Antibody and antigen testing will not be available at this event.
These will be drive-thru testing events, though walk-up testing will also be accommodated. Those coming for drive-thru testing should be seated near a window of the vehicle. Those seeking walk-up testing should be mindful of traffic and follow instructions to maintain social distancing at the event. All in attendance should wear a cloth mask face covering.
