Hundreds lined up to be tested for the coronavirus.
Residents on Tuesday flooded a testing site located on the grounds of Stonewall Jackson High School outside Manassas. It reached capacity at 11 a.m., just an hour after the site opened.
It was the same story the day before at the Hylton Memorial Chapel in Dale City. That testing site reached capacity by 2:20 p.m. Officials had originally planned to close it by at 6 o’clock that evening.
The county government organized the events to provide free testing to anyone in the community who wanted one. Normally, patients must have an appointment and show symptoms of the coronavirus before they can be tested for the disease.
As the testing sites filled up with people, many vented on social media.
“Turned away from Hylton yesterday. Midday. In line today at Stonewall well before 10am opening. Waited only to get a sticker to come back at 2pm (forced to exit by PWC Police) but no info on a special line for appointment stickers. Will we get tested?” read a tweet directed at the Prince William County Government and commented under one of their posts.Â
County officials helped to explain the situation.
“They are not out of tests. They are at capacity in terms of people and timing,” said Sherrie Johnson, the Director of Communications for the Prince William County Government, in reference to the testing at the Hylton Memorial Chapel.Â
Each site was equipped with 1,500 tests from the Virginia Department of Health and 150 people were being tested an hour, according to Johnson. The number of tests made available pales in comparison to the U.S. Census-estimated population of Prince William County: 470,355 residents.Â
More testing events have been planned by the county to accommodate those who were unable to get tested. There will be free tests offered May 20 through 22 at GMU Map Clinic, at 99 Tremont St, Manassas Park, at the Manassas City Public Safety Location, at 9600 Block Grant Avenue in Manassas, and Kilby Elementary School, at 1800 Horner Road in Woodbridge.Â
Both drive-through and walk-up testing will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is reserved for the first 75 individuals per location. No appointments will be needed to receive a test.Â
Unlike the previous free testing event, these events are reserved for those who are under-insured/uninsured and symptomatic, according to the Prince William Health District.
“We recognize and understand that there is a lot of frustration and confusion regarding COVID-19 testing. Unfortunately, there is a limited supply of testing supplies available throughout the region and the country,” reads a statement on the Prince William County Government website.Â
For questions regarding testing, call the Prince William Health District Call Center at (703) 872-7759.Â
Additional free testing is being offered for those with symptoms by the City of Manassas and the Virginia Department of Health from May 20-22. The testing is being conducted at 9608 Grant Ave, drive-thru or walk-up, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tests will be conducted rain or shine.Â
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Due to frigid temperatures forecasted for tonight, schools in the region are adjusting their schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff:
Stafford County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools will also open two hours late. Twelve-month and essential employees are expected to report on time, as safety permits. All other employees should report two hours late.
King George County Schools will follow suit, with a 2-hour delay.
Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.
Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.
The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.
Meet Daphne, a sweet 2-year-old pup with a personality that’s as fun as it is adorable! Daphne came to the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter as a stray, and while she was a bit reserved at first, she’s now blossomed into a lively, energetic, and curious girl who loves attention.
This lovable dog walks wonderfully on a leash and enjoys exploring the outdoors. She’s eager to learn new things and thrives on positive interactions with people. While Daphne is quiet and calm in her kennel, her excitement is evident every time someone walks by—she’s always ready for a chance to play and explore outside.
If you’re looking for a loyal and energetic companion to brighten your days, Daphne could be the perfect fit.
Visit her during adoption hours at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit their website at Spotsylvania Animal Shelter.
Help Daphne find the loving home she deserves—stop by today!
Join the fun at the Manassas Winter Market on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Prince William Street Commuter Lot in Historic Downtown Manassas. Shop for baked goods, fresh produce, warm beverages, and other seasonal delights while supporting local vendors. The market runs every Saturday through March 22, making it the perfect spot to stock up your pantry and enjoy cozy winter vibes.
Do you have an upcoming event to share? Submitting it to our community events calendar is easy and free! Just fill out our event submission form at this link. Include all the essential details, and we’ll help spread the word about your event to our readers.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
