Large-scale, free COVID-19 testing event happening Wednesday at Military Circle

Local health officials will hold their first large-scale coronavirus testing event in several months on Wednesday.

With the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases, propelled by the more contagious delta variant, public health officials added a day for testing at Military Circle Mall, where semiweekly vaccinations have been administered in the old Macy’s store.

During the January peak of the pandemic, over 40,000 standard COVID-19 tests were happening on a daily basis throughout the state.

But as a fourth wave has swept over Virginia this month, testing efforts have not kept that pace. Right now a little over 20,000 tests are being conducted per day.

Of the people getting tested, nearly one in 10 are being diagnosed with the coronavirus. In the region, the rates for positive test results are much higher, ranging from 14% in Virginia Beach to 19% on the Eastern Shore.

The testing event falls on a day between two vaccination clinics and is free to everyone. No appointments will be required to get tested — just show up. Officials said the day has been set up as an open call from 1 to 5 p.m.

So who should come?

Dr. Parham Jaberi, acting health director for Norfolk and Virginia Beach, said people feeling COVID-like symptoms or thinking they’ve been exposed to someone who has contracted the virus are encouraged. Anyone ages 3 and older may get tested, which involves a health worker taking nasal swab samples.

“We will gauge attendance and interest and may continue this effort into the weeks to come,” he said.

Though less common, scientific research indicates vaccinated people can still get the coronavirus and spread it to others, even if they don’t experience any symptoms themselves.

As a refresher, the most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, tiredness and shortness of breath. Others include loss of taste or smell, aches and pains, sore throat, nasal congestion, red eyes, diarrhea and skin rashes.

Public health officials said people who attend will receive their test results later over the phone.

Masks are required while attending the clinic. Participants are asked to bring their IDs, though they aren’t necessary.

The clinic is at 880 N. Military Hwy. For more information, call the Norfolk COVID-19 hotline at 757-683-2745.

For those who can’t attend, other testing sites can be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing-sites.

Elisha Sauers, 757-839-4754, elisha.sauers@pilotonline.com