Another Free Coronavirus Testing Event Will Be Held Friday

The Barcroft sports complex in Arlington will again host a free coronavirus testing event this week.

More than 1,100 people were tested at the last mass testing event there, on May 26. Testing ended early after the event, which is sponsored by the state, ran out of tests.

The facility at 4200 S. Four Mile Drive will be again hosting a testing event open to anyone, with or without COVID-19 symptoms, this Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. — or until tests run out. Both in-car and walk-up testing will be offered. There is no charge and no need for a doctor’s note or identification.

Drivers should expect traffic congestion in the area.

Another 17 confirmed coronavirus cases and two hospitalizations were reported in Arlington overnight, for a cumulative total of 2,363 cases, 407 hospitalizations and 125 deaths.

More on the testing event from a county press release:

To continue testing opportunities and limit community spread in areas disproportionately affected by COVID-19, Arlington County will host another one-day free COVID-19 testing event sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The event will take place Friday, June 19 and will again be held at Barcroft Sport and Fitness Center (4200 S. Four Mile Run Dr.). Tests will be conducted on both a drive-through and walk-up basis beginning at 8:00 a.m. and continuing until 4:00 p.m. or until tests run out.

“Our first large-scale testing event at Barcroft was very successful in providing access to those residents who may not otherwise be able to obtain testing and information,” said Dr. Reuben Varghese, Arlington Public Health Director. “These are residents who may be at higher risk of exposure, and so we wanted to offer another opportunity to reach as many of these residents as we can through this effort.”

This testing event is free of charge and does not require individuals to be symptomatic or have a previous appointment or doctor’s note. No identification is required. On-site translation will be available. Following the event, all attendees will be notified by phone with results as they become available.

Everyone visiting the testing site should wear a face covering. Attendees, especially those who walk to the testing site, should prepare for warmer weather and potentially long wait times by bringing water to stay hydrated and wearing sunscreen and light-colored clothing. The event will be held rain or shine; in case of dangerous inclement weather, officials may need to end testing early for safety.

This site is for COVID-19 viral testing only; antibody tests will not be available at this location. The Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center and surrounding parks property will be closed to all recreational activities, and there will be no public access outside those receiving testing.

Arlington County’s first large-scale testing site on this location occurred in May, during which nearly 1,200 individuals were tested. Additionally, the County’s walk-up COVID-19 sample collection site at the Arlington Mill Community Center in partnership with Arlington Free Clinic as well as the drive-through sample collection site in partnership with Virginia Hospital Center are both ongoing and accepting appointments.

Residents can learn more about COVID-19, including where to access testing, tips to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, how to pursue financial assistance, and more by visiting arlingtonva.us/covid-19 or calling 703-228-7999.

Accessing the Site 

Individuals arriving for testing will not be permitted onto Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center property prior to 7:30 a.m.

• Pedestrians shall enter through the Tucker Field (ballpark) entrance
• Vehicles shall enter at eastbound Four Mile Run Drive near George Mason Drive

Traffic Advisory 

The public can anticipate heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area of Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center. The following roadways will be impacted:

• Four Mile Run Drive, between Columbia Pike and Walter Reed Drive will have heavy traffic congestion
• Right lane of Four Run Mile Drive, between George Mason Drive and Walter Reed Drive, will be closed
• NB George Mason Drive near the intersection of Four Mile Run Drive will have intermittent lane closures
• SB George Mason Drive, access to EB Four Mile Run Drive will be restricted

Other short-term road closures may be implemented at the discretion of law enforcement in the interest of public safety. Motorists are reminded that stopping, standing or parking in any lanes of travel in the area will be strictly prohibited.

Parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from public property, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.