CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The number of positive cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in Tennessee, yet Montgomery County continues to not report any confirmed cases of the virus.

Contrary to popular rumor, this does not mean that there are not any tests for coronavirus (COVID-19) available in the county. It also does not mean that the county is choosing not to report any confirmed cases.

There are several locations available that serve as ‘collection points’ for those who feel they may be exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

A collection point is defined as a medical or healthcare office that is able to administer the collection of materials to test for the virus (i.e. a swab). A testing facility or lab would be where the actual sample is tested to determine whether or not the patient has a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Currently, Montgomery County does have collection points. But samples are sent to testing facilities, such as the Tennessee Department of Health. Testing is not done in a lab in Montgomery County.

What to do if you are sick

In a joint statement released on Wednesday, March 18, officials at Tennova Healthcare – Clarksville and Premier Medical Group announced updated instructions for potential Coronavirus patients.

Tennova Healthcare – Clarksville wants to remind the community to follow guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are sick, the CDC advises that mildly ill patients should be encouraged to stay home and contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance about clinical management.

Patients who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately. Patients and visitors may also find the latest updates to Tennova’s visitor guidelines by visiting TennovaClarksville.com.

Premier Medical Group also advises its patients who are experiencing symptoms as outlined by the CDC, to contact their physician or provider instead of presenting to the clinic. The provider will instruct patients on next steps. The best source of up to date information for PMG patients is PremierMed.com. The content is subject to change frequently as the outbreak evolves.

Both entities remind the public that patients who do not meet screening criteria will not be tested for the virus.

Healthcare providers also encourage preventive measures including hand hygiene, avoiding people who are ill and staying home if you are sick.

As always, if you think you are experiencing a life-threatening event, call 911 immediately, the release said.

Tennova and Premier also advise the public to seek education from the CDC,  www.cdc.gov/COVID19 and the Tennessee Department of Health, https://www.tn.gov/health.html. The State also has a designated hotline 877-857-2945.

Vanderbilt Primary Care (800 Weatherly Drive) is available as a remote assessment site.

The urgent care clinics in town, including Urgent Team and Doctors Care are not currently collecting samples for COVID-19. They are unable to administer tests at this time.

For those who do not wish to visit a Montgomery County facility, Vanderbilt Health also has COVID-19 tests available.

If you are sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises: mildly ill patients should be encouraged to stay home and contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance about clinical management.

Patients who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately.

Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immuno-compromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness.

If you have a question about the coronavirus COVID-19, please call the Tennessee Department of Health public information line at (877) 857-2945.