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The Virginia Department of Health and the city of Suffolk will be providing free COVID-19 testing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, in the parking lot of the Suffolk Health and Human Services facility, 135 Hall Ave.

All are welcome, and no registration is needed, according to a health district press release. Attendees can expect to receive the results of this PCR test within 72 hours.

This free testing event is being provided in response to increased testing demand and a limited number of testing options in the community, the press release stated. For questions about the event logistics or services provided, call 757-514-4766.

While testing remains an important tool in mitigating the spread of the virus, Western Tidewater Health District reminds its residents that vaccination is the best way to prevent serious illness or death from COVID-19, the press release stated. Masking, socially distancing and frequent handwashing are other tools proven effective in reducing the spread of this virus.