State: If You Think You Need A Test, We Have It

“If you think you need a test, we have a test for you.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said testing will expand across Tennessee during the next few weeks. Testing will no longer be restricted to the typical COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath.

“We will test you if you’re confused about what the symptoms might be or want more information,” Piercey said. “I encourage you to check out the Department of Health Web site or social media for a list of expanded symptoms that could indicate that you might be infected. Likewise, sometimes we know that people just don’t feel right or they might be what we call an asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic carrier.”

Piercey said the state can test one car every five minutes. The federal government has loosened the requirements for several of the items used in testing, which Piercey said has expanded availability. The number of tests available no longer the issue it once was.

Every health department across the state will continue weekday testing. In addition, the state will rollout a three-weekend testing plan to target specific areas across the state. Drive-thru centers will take place in Pickett and Van Buren Counties this weekend.

“We understand that there are a lot of essential workers and other folks who may not be able to get testing access during the week,” Piercey said. “And so we’re offering these we can ours for additional convenience.”

Piercey added testing is free, trying to eliminate all barriers to testing.