From WZTV-
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has announced a new free COVID-19 testing effort where folks can get tested regardless of traditional symptoms.
The Tennessee National Guard is making available 33 drive-through testing sites and Lee said the expanding testing effort will be rolled out this weekend. Testing will be open to those who aren't experiencing traditional symptoms of coronavirus.
Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said: “Our clinical understanding of COVID-19 is changing rapidly and we need every Tennessean who isn’t feeling well, even outside of the traditional COVID-19 symptoms of cough, fever or difficulty breathing, to come out and get tested,"
Guard members and nurses will be providing testing and results are expected to be delivered to participants within 72 hours.
“Until there is a vaccine for COVID-19, quickly detecting this illness, isolating if ill and practicing social distancing are the most powerful tools we have to stop the spread and help our state return to work,” said Dr. Piercey. “I encourage every Tennessean to remember: ‘when in doubt, get a test’ as we work to identify COVID-19 cases and keep our neighbors safe.”
In addition to the drive-through sites, all rural county health departments across the state offer free COVID-19 testing 5 days a week.
On Saturday, April 18, 22 COVID-19 drive-through testing sites will be open at the following locations in Tennessee:
Bedford County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Shelbyville Central High School, 401 Eagle Blvd., Shelbyville
Claiborne County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Claiborne County Health Department, 620 Davis St., New Tazewell
Dickson County: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Dickson County Health Department, 301 West End Ave., Dickson
Grainger County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Grainger County Health Department, 185 Justice Center Drive, Rutledge
Hardin County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: First Baptist Church, 145 Main St., Savannah
Hawkins County: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Volunteer High School, 1050 Volunteer St., Church Hill
Loudon County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Loudon County Health Department, 600 Ryder Ave., Loudon
Madison County: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Jackson Fairgrounds, 800 South Highland Ave., Jackson
Marion County: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Chattanooga State Community College - Kimball Site, 2100 Main St., Kimball
Maury County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Woodland Park, 821 West 9th St., Columbia
Monroe County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Monroe County Health Department, 3469 New Highway 68, Madisonville
Montgomery County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Montgomery County Health Department, 300 Pageant Lane, Clarksville
Robertson County: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Robertson County Fairgrounds, 4635 US-41, Springfield
Rutherford County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Rutherford County Health Department, 100 West Burton St., Murfreesboro
Scott County: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Scott County Health Department, 344 Court St., Huntsville
Sevier County: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Tennessee Smokies Baseball Stadium, 3540 Line Drive, Kodak
Tipton County: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Brighton High School, 8045 Highway 51 South, Brighton
Union County: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Union County Health Department, 4335 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville
Van Buren County: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Burritt College, 445 College St., Spencer
Weakley County: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Weakley County Health Department: 9852 Highway 22, Dresden
Williamson County: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Williamson County Health Department, 1324 West Main St., Franklin
Wilson County: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Wilson County Health Department, 927 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon
On Sunday, April 19, 11 COVID-19 drive-through testing sites will be open at the following locations in Tennessee:
Claiborne County: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Claiborne County Health Department, 620 Davis St., New Tazewell
Coffee County: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., Coffee County Administrative Plaza, 1329 McArthur St., Manchester
Fayette County: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Oakland First Baptist Church, 8695 US-64, Somerville
Grainger County: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Grainger County Health Department, 185 Justice Center Drive, Rutledge
Madison County: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Jackson Fairgrounds, 800 South Highland Ave., Jackson
McMinn County: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Athens Regional Park, 101 Regional Park Drive, Athens
Pickett County: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., B & K Grocery Parking Lot, 8460 Highway 111, Byrdstown
Roane County: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Roane State Community College - Harriman Campus, 276 Patton Lane, Harriman
Sumner County: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Gallatin High School, 700 Dan P. Herron Drive, Gallatin
Union County: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Union County Health Department, 4335 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville
Washington County: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: East Tennessee State University, 1276 Gilbreath Drive, Johnson City
COVID-19 Symptoms:
Mild respiratory illness with:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Some patients have severe symptoms that require hospitalization
Here are the latest guidelines from the White House on coronavirus:
Older people and those with a serious underlying health condition should stay home and stay away from other people.
If you, your children, or anyone in your household is sick, you should stay home and contact your medical provider.
Everyone should avoid social gatherings in groups of 10 or more people.
Everyone should avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts. Instead, guidelines suggest using the drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
Everyone should avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
Everyone should avoid visiting nursing homes, retirement, or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
Health officials said these are the best ways to prevent illnesses from spreading:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For questions or concerns about COVID-19, the Tennessee Department of Health created a patient hotline: 877-857-2945.