State health officials are reiterating there are publicly-available COVID-19 tests in the state, and wants the public to know how to access those.
The nature of large protests means the virus may spread more easily, especially if protesters are not wearing masks.
The Virginia Department of Health has gotten in touch with local health districts where protests have occurred.
“We are encouraging those districts to share information with protesters about community testing events and pharmacy locations where COVID-19 tests are available,” health officials said in a news release.
Health officials suggests protesters wear masks, wash hands frequently, stay six feet apart from others in crowds, and, if symptoms appear, stay home and call their health care provider.
All Virginians may get tested if they experience symptoms of COVID-19 or if they believe they have been exposed to others with infections.
“We support the right to protest, and we also want people to be safe. People can have COVID-19 and not show symptoms or have only mild symptoms and unknowingly spread the virus to others. For some people, particularly those with underlying health conditions, the virus can be life-threatening. We urge people who have symptoms such as fever and cough to stay home and to get tested,” said Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. M. Norman Oliver.
Access VDH’s online symptom checker, CovidCheck.
Find publicly-available tests here.
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