NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced free COVID-19 testing will be available for any Tennessean, regardless of traditional symptoms, as the Unified-Command group ramps up an aggressive effort to expand testing capacity across the state.

Testing has recently been expanded after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) opened up the type of approved supplies that can be used for testing.

“You no longer need to wait for all of the classic symptoms of COVID-19,” said Dr. Lisa Piercey, Commissioner with the Tennessee Department of Health. “If you think you need a test, we will test you.”

“As we look to reboot our state’s economy, we must have a greater understanding of how this virus is operating in Tennessee,” said Gov. Lee. “Expanding our COVID-19 testing capacity allows more Tennesseans to have improved access to testing which will empower citizens to make informed health decisions.”

The expanded testing effort launches this weekend, April 18-19, 2020, with the Tennessee National Guard popping up 15 drive-through testing sites across the state. Drive-through testing sites will also be available during the weekends of April 25-26 and May 2-3.

Local Drive Through Testing Events Include:

Saturday, April 18
Dickson County, 11am – 2pm, Dickson County Health Department
Montgomery County, 9am – 12pm, Montgomery County Health Department
Robertson County, 11am – 3pm, Robertson County Fairgrounds

Locations for April 25 -26 and May 2-3 have not yet been announced. 

A full list of sites can be accessed here.

Tennessee Department of Health Nurses and Tennessee National Guard medics will perform tests at each site and results are projected to be delivered to participants within 72 hours of testing.

“Until there is a vaccine for COVID-19, quickly detecting this illness, isolating if ill and practicing social distancing are the most powerful tools we have to stop the spread and help our state return to work,” said Dr. Piercey. “I encourage every Tennessean to remember: ‘when in doubt, get a test’ as we work to identify COVID-19 cases and keep our neighbors safe.”