The Fairfax County Health Department today announced that a Virginia Department of Health Community Testing Center (CTC) will open tomorrow, Saturday, January 15, to provide free Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing by appointment for COVID-19.

The site, set up in a large tent, will be in parking lot B of the Fairfax County Government Center. Parking lot B is located on the southwest corner of the Government Center complex.

The CTC will operate Saturdays through Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. by appointment only. To find an appointment, visit vase.vdh.virginia.gov/testingappointment. Appointments typically become available 24 hours in advance. If you do not see openings, check back frequently as appointments are added regularly. Anyone who makes an appointment but cannot keep it or finds testing elsewhere is asked to cancel their CTC appointment so that the slot will be free for someone else.

CTC test results will be automatically sent via text or email message to individuals being tested, based on the information provided in the appointment system. PCR test results are usually available within a few days and are very effective in detecting an active COVID-19 infection, even if a person is asymptomatic (not showing signs of illness).

Testing is recommended for individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms or have been instructed to test following a COVID-19 exposure. A PCR test should not be done by those seeking to return to work or school after completing isolation for a COVID-19 infection as PCR tests may remain positive even after an individual is no longer infectious.

While appointments are required, all visitors are asked to be patient as there might be wait times. Please dress warmly as part of the line may extend outside. This is not a drive-in event so attendees will need to park and enter the tent.

Fairfax County will continue to explore opportunities to provide additional testing resources to the community. This Community Testing Center augments other testing being provided in the community by pharmacies, health care providers, and other community partners. Anyone needing assistance with scheduling a test may contact the COVID-19 Call Center at (703) 324-7404.

To learn more about COVID-19 testing, visit the VDH COVID-19 Testing webpage.

Vaccination remains the most important public health action to stop the spread of the virus and prevent serious illness or death. I encourage everyone who hasn't yet done so to get their vaccine or booster shot. Here are a few ways to find vaccinations:

In addition to vaccination, a layered mitigation strategy is recommended, including practices such as physical distancing, good ventilation, appropriate mask-wearing, testing, hand washing, staying home if sick, and following CDC travel guidelines.

Supervisor James Walkinshaw