NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Several viewers have called into NewsChannel 5, telling us they were sent away from a Metro COVID-19 drive thru assessment center without getting a test. It turns out, you pretty much have to take another test to get a COVID-19 test.
A healthcare worker that works at one of the assessment centers tells NewsChannel 5, if you're experiencing symptoms like fever or shortness of breath, you will get a test. If not, there are three other thresholds:
- Are you over the age of 60?
- Do you have a pre-existing medical condition like heart or lung disease?
- A medical professional determines you look unwell.
That means, many will be turned away. Some may not have symptoms but still have the Coronavirus. The Assistant Medical Director for Metro Public Health says they have enough tests, just not enough people to process them. "By testing everyone, we would overwhelm the system so it’s not the fact we couldn’t test, the more tests sitting and waiting to be done, the longer the response time is," said Dr. Gill Wright III from Metro Public Health.
That’s just the criteria for these drive up test facilities. Nashville's major hospitals are also testing for COVID-19 seven days a week, and have their own criteria for COVID-19 testing.
We also wanted to know, should we all be wearing masks out in public? If you're sick, Wright says absolutely.
"Putting a mask on an individual that’s sick is very helpful. It keeps them when they cough or sneeze from putting particles out in the air that carry the virus," said Dr. Wright.
Right now, the CDC doesn't recommend the healthy wear masks because we often don't wear them properly, but Dr. Wright has heard the CDC may be changing their mind.
"Even if it reduces the exposure 10%, 20% it may be helpful especially in those places where it’s very high like NY and California," said Dr. Wright.
Wright adds, the drive-thru locations are only open three days a week for now, but the days and hours can be expanded if the case count gets worse.
