NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee is hosting several COVID-19 testing events across the state this weekend. The tests will be provided at no cost and you can remain in your vehicle during the process.
Tennessee Health Department nurses and National Guard medics will be on site to conduct the tests. Results may be available within 72 hours after the samples arrive at the lab, depending on lab volume.
Here’s a list of locations in Middle Tennessee:
Saturday:
Fentress County
Fentress County Public Library
306 South Main St., Jamestown
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Lincoln County
Senior Citizens Center
908 Washington St. West, Fayetteville
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rutherford County
McKnight Park
120 DeJarnette Lane, Murfreesboro
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday:
Giles County
Giles County Agripark
2030 Elkton Pike, Pulaski
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Lauderdale County
Ripley Elementary School
100 Highway 19, Ripley
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Sumner County
Gallatin High School
700 Dan P. Herron Drive, Gallatin
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Warren County
Warren County Farmers Market
100 Market St., McMinnville
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The health department said everyone who is tested will be contacted about their results, whether they are negative or positive. You’ll be given further instructions on how to protect your health and the health of those around you.
Anyone tested should be prepared to isolate themselves at home while awaiting their test results.
TDH also offers COVID-19 testing at no cost to patients throughout the week at their local county health departments. Click here for more information.
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See all our coronavirus coverage here
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.
