COVID-19 drive-through testing events scheduled for northeast region May 2-3

Published 12:36 pm Wednesday, April 29, 2020

JOHNSON CITY – The Northeast Regional Health Office and the Health Departments in Carter and Unicoi are hosting COVID-19 drive-through testing events for the community May 2 and 3. Nurses and/or National Guard medics at each site will collect nasal swabs from those who want to be tested, and test results may be available within 72 hours after the samples arrive at the lab, depending on lab volume. You do not have to live in the county to be tested at this event.

“Anyone with concerns about their health or the health of a family member is invited to come to one of these locations this weekend to receive testing for COVID-19,” said Rebekah English, Northeast Regional Director. “This testing will be provided at no cost to participants, and those who come for testing can remain in their vehicles throughout the process.”

Sample collection for testing will be offered at the following locations and times:

Saturday, May 2, between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Hampton High School

766 1stAvenue, Hampton, TN

Sunday, May 3, between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Unicoi High School

700 Mohawk Drive, Erwin, TN

Those who come for testing will get information on what to expect after their test, and should be prepared to isolate themselves at home while awaiting their test results. This information is also available online at www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/TestedGuidance.pdf.

Everyone wishing to be tested for COVID-19 at these events should be prepared to share their contact information so health department staff members can provide their test results. Everyone who is tested will be contacted about their results, whether they are negative or positive, and given further instructions to protect their health and the health of those around them.

TDH has had high participation in drive-through testing events. Those in line at a testing site by the announced closing time will be served if possible. Please note public restroom facilities are not available at these drive-through testing events.

TDH also offers COVID-19 testing at no cost to patients throughout the week at our local county health departments. Learn more about TDH drive-through testing events this weekend and other locations for testing at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/remote-assessment-sites.html

The Northeast Region’s Coronavirus Public Information Line is open from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Friday at 423-979-4689. Tennessee’s Coronavirus Public Information Lines are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at 833-556-2476 or 877-857-2945.

TDH is posting updated COVID-19 case numbers by 3 p.m. each day at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html. Find additional information at www.tn.gov/governor/covid-19.html and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html