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Rapid drive-through tests for COVID-19 will now be offered for free at 15 Walgreens stores in the state, including one in Suffolk, with results provided within 24 hours.

The Virginia Department of Health made the announcement Jan. 14 following what it said was a successful pilot program at four Walgreens locations. The Suffolk Walgreens where the rapid test will be available is at 118 W. Constance Road.

“We are pleased to announce the expansion of this public-private partnership following a successful pilot with four Walgreens locations,” said Dr. Parham Jaberi, public health and preparedness deputy commissioner, in a statement. “Our continued partnership will help ensure increased access to COVID-19 testing at no cost for some of our communities that lack a fixed testing location or have higher rates of vulnerable populations.”

The test is known as an Abbot BinaxNOW rapid antigen test, and the state health department encourages people to be tested if they are symptomatic for COVID-19, have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, someone at high risk of illness or complications, and essential employees such as teachers, childcare providers and healthcare workers.

The rapid tests will be available by appointment to adults, and to children age 3 and older who meet screening criteria to receive a test. Those wanting an appointment can go to Walgreens.com/COVID19Testing. Each person will administer their own test under the supervision of Walgreens’ pharmacy teams. The tests are processed at the pharmacy and results provided within a day.

“Walgreens takes pride in offering support to our customers and communities in times of need, and we’re pleased to work in collaboration with Virginia’s health officials on their efforts to broaden access to COVID-19 testing to vulnerable populations,” said Paul Blankenship, Walgreens regional vice president in Virginia in a statement.

The 15 Walgreens COVID-19 testing locations also include a Chesapeake Walgreens at 1168 George Washington Highway North.

Other COVID-19 testing options can be found on the VDH website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing.