(WTVF) — Tennessee will be offering free COVID-19 testing this weekend in six rural counties, including Macon and Maury County.
The state brought back weekend testing events this fall as active cases began to rise, particularly in the rural areas.
Participants should expect to receive results within 72 hours, depending on the testing volume at the laboratories.
Anyone seeking a COVID-19 test can get one for free on Saturday, November 7 at the following drive-thru locations:
- Macon County - Macon County Fairground at 231 Russell Drive in Lafayette
- Maury County - Maury County Health Department at 1901 Hampshire Pike in Columbia
- Houston County - EMS Station at 2400 W. Main Street in Erin
- Weakley County - Martin Fire Station No. 3 at 126 University Plaza Drive in Marin
- Campbell County - Jellico High School at 141 High School Lane in Jellico
- Monroe County - Monroe County Health Department at 3469 New Highway 68 in Madisonville
The drive-thru testing events will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. local time. Anyone in line by noon will receive a test.
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- Walmart pharmacies in Tennessee now offering COVID-19 vaccines
- Donate to the COVID-19 Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
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.
