While most of us have resumed our pre-pandemic activities and plans, COVID-19 is still here in Virginia, the U.S. and around the world. In addition, there is ongoing transmission of influenza.
With spring break approaching, Loudoun County health officials advise those who are planning to travel or gather with others to take precautions against COVID-19. This includes getting vaccinated and getting testing for COVID-19, especially if you plan to visit someone who is at higher risk of serious COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed to COVID-19.
Vaccination Opportunities
Anyone 5 and older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and anyone 12 and older is eligible for a booster. If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, consider getting one. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at pharmacies in Loudoun County, including CVS, Walgreens, Giant, Wegmans, Harris Teeter, and others. Call your local pharmacy or visit their website to make an appointment. You may also search for available COVID-19 vaccines at vaccines.gov.
Getting Tested for COVID-19
If you plan to visit someone who is at higher risk of serious COVID-19, consider getting tested before your visit. Ideally, you should take the test close to the date when you are traveling or planning to gather with others, but far enough ahead to get results.
If you have symptoms or COVID-19, you should get tested right away. Additionally, if you were potentially exposed to the virus, regardless of your vaccination status, you should get tested 5 days after the exposure. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.
Many pharmacies and health care providers offer COVID-19 tests in Loudoun County. To find a provider near you, visit the Virginia Department of Health website.
Other Precautions
To help prevent contracting COVID-19, consider the following precautions to stay safe:
- Check the COVID-19 community level of wherever you may be traveling to get the most up-to-date guidance for that area.
- Wear a mask indoors when around those not in your household if you are in an area where the COVID-19 community level is high.
- Physically distance - stay 6 feet from others as much as possible.
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available. This will help prevent many diseases, including the seasonal flu.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, stay away from others and get tested three-to-five days after returning home from travel.
More Information
If you have questions or need assistance finding a COVID-19 vaccination or testing location near you, you may call the COVID-19 information line at 703-737-8300, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Information is also available at loudoun.gov/coronavirus.
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