Serving the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson Counties
TJHD BRIEFING: This week, the district is at a 2.4% 7-day COVID-19 positivity rate which is the lowest in a long time. That said, COVID-19 is still here and increased number of tests can lead to a lower positivity rate. People should still be cautious and continue practicing physical distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks. With Halloween right around the corner, it's especially important that everyone is extra cautious so we don't see a rise in cases. TJHD recently partnered with Albemarle County's Safety Ambassador program to expand the program with two new bilingual Ambassadors who will educate businesses like landscaping companies, cleaning crews, farms, etc. TJHD has also set the COVID-19 testing schedule for November.
CDC Updated Definition for "Close Contact"
This week, the CDC revised what defines a "close contact" or someone who has been near a COVID-positive case. The update states that a close contact is anyone who is within 6 ft of the infected person, for at least 15 minutes over the course of 24 hours, and this interaction occurs anytime in the two days prior to symptoms starting. The real takeaway here is to maintain your physical distance at all times - even when wearing a mask.
Partnership with Albemarle COVID Safety Ambassadors
TJHD is partnering with Albemarle County and its COVID Safety Ambassador program to inform essential business owners on new COVID safety topics and protocols. The partnership expands the current Ambassador program to include businesses such as landscaping companies, construction companies, cleaning crews, and farms. Two new bilingual Ambassadors join the effort for training next week and hope to be on the ground by next Friday. Topics covered are return-to-work protocols, new information on testing and quarantine, and wraparound services for employees who must isolate.
Tricks for Safely Celebrating Halloween and Día de los Muertos
As we round the corner to October, the fall holidays kick into gear. This week, the CDC and VDH published their guidelines for COVID-19 safe Halloween and Día De Los Muertos celebrations. This year it's time to not only be creative in making costumes but in the festivities themselves! In general, the more closely people interact with each other and the longer the interaction lasts, the higher the risk of COVID-19. Consider the risk of activities when you're planning this year's festivities:

Lowest risk: carving pumpkins at home, decorating your house, having a Halloween movie night with your household, scavenger hunt around your house.

Moderate Risk: trick-or-treating with distancing strategies in place, stopping at only houses where individuals are wearing masks, attending small outdoor gatherings.

Highest Risk: trick-or-treating at a large number of houses or visiting multiple neighborhoods where participants go door to door, attending parties or events that may become overcrowded with poor physical distancing, going on hayrides or tractors with people who are not in your household.
FREE Drive-Through
COVID-19 Testing Sites
Testing is available for people ages 6 years and older. We have tests for 50 pre-registered clients and 50 walk-ins. Below are October test sites. Visit TJHD's COVID-19 Testing Website for more testing sites.

MONDAY, November 2, from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Nelson Heritage Center, Rockfish Presbyterian Church
  • Appointments can only be scheduled on Thursday, October 29 or Friday, October 30 by calling 434-972-6261

WEDNESDAY, November 4 from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Scottsville Farmer's Market, 125 Fleet Street Scottsville, VA 24590
  • Appointments can only be scheduled Monday, November 2 by calling 434-972-6261

FRIDAYS, November 6, 13, 20,
from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department, 1138 Rose Hill Drive Charlottesville,
  • Appointments can only be scheduled two days before testing day by calling 434-972-6261

THURSDAY, November 10, from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Emmanuel Christian Center, 111 New Life Dr, Ruckersville
  • Appointments can only be scheduled on Tuesday, November 8 or Wednesday, November 8 by calling 434-972-6261

MONDAY, November 16, from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Nelson Heritage Center, 1653 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Arrington
  • Appointments can only be scheduled on Thursday, November 12 or Friday, November 13 by calling 434-972-6261

WEDNESDAY, November 18, from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Fluvanna School Administration Building, 14455 James Madison Highway, Palmyra, VA
  • Appointments can only be scheduled on Monday, November 16 or Tuesday November 17 by calling 434-972-6261

THURSDAY, November 19, from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Louisa Presbyterian Church, 212 Church Ave, Louisa, VA 23093
  • Appointments can only be scheduled on Tuesday, November 17 or Wednesday November 18 by calling 434-972-6261
PLEASE NOTE:
  • Appointments guarantee your time spot and greatly reduce your wait time.
  • Walk-ins are welcome. Walk-in tests are administered as first come, first served.
  • We are NOT offering antibody tests at this time.
  • TJHD's COVID-19 Testing Website is updated frequently with the latest testing site locations and information.
  • Test results take 3 to 4 days.
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