NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — More than 5,700 people participated in Tennessee's expanded drive-thru COVID-19 testing on Saturday.
Tennessee began free drive-thru testing at locations statewide this weekend. They will be held for the following two weekends as well.
Anyone can get tested at the locations, regardless of symptoms. Participants will remain in their vehicles throughout the testing process.
The health department said those who get tested for the virus should expect to have results within 72 hours after the samples arrive at the lab.
Many locations will open on Sunday, including the following:
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
For a complete list of locations offering free drive-thru tests, click here.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- 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 mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
