COVID-19 testing continues, social distancing continues to be encouraged
Published 3:49 pm Monday, May 4, 2020
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Brittnee Nave/Star Photo
Dr. David Kirschke continues to encourage vigilance and social distancing as Tennessee reopens.
Brittnee Nave/Star Photo
Linda McClure, APRN with the Northeast Regional Health Office, described interactions between staff and those being tested.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
A nurse collects infromation from someone who came for COVID-19 testing at Hampton High School.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
It was a busy day for the staff of the Carter County Health Department on Saturday as anyone that wanted to be tested for the COVID-19 was tested at Hampton High School.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Caroline Hurt, Director of the Carter County Health Department, was lending a hand to the COVID-19 testing on Saturday at Hampton High School.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
It was a busy day for staff of the Carter County Health Department who were making sure to collect information on those wanting to be tested. By noon, close to 200 people had passed through the testing site at Hampton High School.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Staff with the Carter County Health Department were on site Saturday ensurimg information was recorded for each testee.
Free COVID-19 testing continued this past weekend at sites including Hampton High School.
According to Dr. DavidKirschke, Medical Director of the Northeast Regional Health Office, the goal is to ensure no cases of the virus go undetected.
“This is just a chance for people on this end of the county to come out and get checked,” said Kirschke. “We’re especially trying to target people with COVID symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, even those with milder symptoms like running nose and sore throat. It’s an opportunity to get tested and know.”
With businesses reopening, he warned of a possible surge, and stresses vigilance.
“We do encourage as things reopen that people realize coronavirus is still out there and we could have a surge, so social distancing will be more important than ever,” said Kirschke.“We do recommend that as businesses reopen, if it doesn’t look like the business isn’t taking it seriously, don’t go in. Try to choose wisely what you do.”
Those working at the site also included Linda McClure, APRN with the Northeast Regional Health Office.
“I have had the opportunity to work at all of our drive thru events,” she said. “All the customers have been very appreciative that we have been able to offer them testing in such a convenient way. They are very nice. It has been very busy in some of our pods, and we are just glad to assist people and give them the results they’re looking for, and give some people security and encouragement and give out a lot of good information.”
McClure went on to describe the happiness people show when tests come back negative, but warned everyone must follow distancing even after results come back negative.
“We’re still encouraging people that a negative test today doesn’t guarantee it will stay negative,” she said. “You should still use those good social distancing recommendations of six feet apart, handwashing, and wearing your mask when you’re out in public, so you can continue to stay virus free.”
COVID-19 numbers continue increasing state-wide everyday. Kirschke warned of this despite saying our region is in a fairly good place right now.
Social distancing recommendations are ongoing.
For those wishing to get a free test from the Carter County Health Department, drive thru testing is available in Carter County Monday through Friday from 9-11 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged, which can be done by calling the Northeast Coronavirus Information Line at 423-979-4689.
