NORFOLK, Va. — The COVID-19 testing operations at Military Circle Mall in Norfolk and Sherwood Shopping Center in Newport News are closing, Virginia health officials said.
Margaret Hupman stopped by the Military Circle Mall vaccination clinic on Thursday with her husband, Wayne, as he received his booster shot.
“It’s not a good thing. I think they should be testing here all of the time,” explained Hupman.
Health leaders said they decided to close the testing center because they’re seeing a decrease in people needing a COVID-19 test, which is a stark contrast from an earlier in the year when people waited hours in line at the Military Circle Mall clinic.
Wayne Hupman said, “I understand. If they are not getting the testing and they are not being busy like they wanted to, why stay here.”
The plan moving forward is for health leaders to take the COVID-19 tests on the road. They will travel throughout Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore to expand their reach to vulnerable communities.
“This mobile van strategy is just another tool so that they have an opportunity to get tested if they need to be tested,” explained Megan Shearin with the Virginia Department of Health.
Shearin said the goal is to use the mobile van as early as next week and said VDH leaders are still working to finalize a schedule.
“The van is able to go from place to place and from city to city throughout the Eastern Region,” she explained. “One day it may be in the Eastern Shore area and the next day it may be on the Southside or Peninsula.”
While the testing center at Military Circle Mall is now closed, the clinic remains open six days a week for vaccinations.
COVID-19 testing is still available at several locations across Hampton Roads including at local health departments, pharmacies and doctor’s offices
Those who want to get a free test at a community testing site can schedule an appointment online through the VASE+ website or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA.