As the coronavirus pandemic reaches a new peak in Richmond, local health officials are encouraging anyone who plans to travel this month to minimize their risk to the public.
The City of Richmond is currently seeing an average of 73 new coronavirus cases per day. New infections are being reported faster than at any previous time during the pandemic.
At the city’s weekly COVID-19 update on Wednesday, Dr. Melissa Viray with the Richmond City Health District said the safest way to celebrate the December holidays is at home with your own household.
“Hannakuh is right around the corner and so is Christmas and so are our end of year Holidays,” Viray said. “This is a risk for us to go from bad to even worse.”
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney did not issue new lockdown restrictions at the press conference. He said he’s in close communication with local health officials and the governor about the rising case numbers and would make any decision about new restrictions based on the data.
For anyone who must travel and spend time with others, Viray urged them to quarantine and get tested before and after their trip.
“We are increasing our community testing around the holidays for people to have access if they need it,” she said. “But again, the safest thing to do for yourself and for everyone around you is to stay home as much as possible these holidays.”
The Richmond City Health District is hosting two community testing events this week where anyone, regardless of insurance status, can access free COVID-19 tests. Here are the locations:
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2-4 p.m.
Southwood Apartments (Management Office)
4602 B Southwood Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23224
Friday, Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m.
Eastern Henrico Health Department
1400 N Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23223
Monday, December 14th, 2:00PM-4:00PM
Diversity Richmond
1407 Sherwood Ave, Richmond, VA 23220
Tuesday, December 15th, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Eastern Henrico Health Department
1400 N Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23223**Thursday, December 17th, 2:00PM-4:00PM
Second Baptist Church
3300 Broad Rock Blvd, Richmond, VA 23224**-
Friday, December 18th
Regency Square Parking Deck
1420 N Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23229****indicates drive thru event
For more information about accessing free coronavirus testing, call the Richmond City Health District’s COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501.