Vaccines: Yours is Ready!
This week, we have enough vaccines to cover all appointments at our BRHD clinics and to take walk-in appointments each day at the JCPenney and county vaccine clinics. Several vaccination appointments for those 12 and above remain available through private providers and pharmacies in the District. 
 
Looking to schedule your vaccine appointment? Use our direct link to schedule  your own appointment at one of our upcoming BRHD clinics. You can also call our BRHD Hotline Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm to schedule over the phone or find our nearest walk-in clinics: 434-972-6261.
 
When scheduling a Pfizer vaccine appointment for anyone under 18, remember that an adult must be present to sign a vaccine consent at both the first and second dose appointments.
Masks: Updated Guidance in Virginia
This week, Governor Ralph Northam updated the Virginia mask mandates to better align with new CDC guidance. While Virginia’s mask mandate allows for people who are fully vaccinated to not wear a mask in most settings, the Governor’s Executive Order does not require proof of vaccination.

Anyone who is not yet fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks and practice physical distancing in most indoor and outdoor settings in accordance with CDC recommendations.

Masks will still be required in the following settings, regardless of vaccination status: 
  • Public transit
  • Healthcare facilities (including hospitals, doctor’s offices, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and local health departments) 
  • Schools
  • Correctional facilities
  • Homeless shelters
 
Businesses also retain the right to require masks. Private businesses are free to determine how they want to address the wearing of masks on their premises and the Virginia Department of Health will not be responsible for enforcement of a private business’ mask policy.

Additional updates will go into effect on May 28 with the Governor’s Executive Order 79. 
Meet the BRHD Team
Each week, we will introduce you to one of our Health District Heroes so you can get to know the people working to keep you safe and healthy every day.
This week, meet AJ Austin, Environmental Health Specialist in Louisa County and a member of the Covid-19 Logistics team!

How long have you worked with BRHD?
8 months
 
What does your job include?
I take care of Louisa County soil and on-site work including septic system design, repair, well permits, inspections, etc. I also dedicate two days a week to helping out with COVID-19 Clinics in our rural counties including Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene. As a logistics team, we bring all supplies and most importantly the vaccines to the vaccination sites and make sure the clinics function and work to the best of our ability. I also help with registration from time to time. I love helping our community.
 
Who are you outside of BRHD?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, volunteering with local non-profit history museums and the Louisa County Rescue Squad. I’m a huge fan of the Blue Ridge mountains and love spending time up there hiking, exploring, and taking in the beautiful scenery. Before coming to BRHD, I worked for a soil science company in Northern Virginia and I am a 2019 Graduate of Virginia Tech.
COVID Testing Continues
While we work to vaccinate the District, BRHD continues to offer free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing. Each event will have the capacity to test 200 persons: 100 pre-registered clients and 100 walk-ins.
 
For a complete list of free drive-thru COVID-19 testing events in May, visit the BRHD website. June testing sites will soon be added to the website.

FRIDAY, May 28, from 4:30-8:00pm
  • Buford Middle School, 1000 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 
  • Appointments can be scheduled on May 26 and May 27 by calling 434-972-6261
Remember, vaccination is only one tool to end the pandemic. We need to use them all in order to return to normal day-to-day activities. Continue to wear face masks if you're unvaccinated, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings with those who are unvaccinated.