Close to 3 p.m. Saturday dozens of cars were waiting for their turn for COVID-19 testing at an event set up by the Tennessee Department of Health.
Tipton was one of 15 counties hosting surge testing this weekend. A total of 268 people were tested, said Tipton County Emergency Management Agency Director Tommy Dunavant.
The event is part of an aggressive plan to test Tennesseans announced earlier this week.
“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. Bill 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.”
TDH nurses and Tennessee National Guard medics performed tests 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 Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa 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.”
If you weren’t able to make it today, Fayette County will be hosting drive-thru testing from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Oakland First Baptist Church, 8695 US-64 in Somerville.
What are the numbers today?
Confirmed cases: 57
Average increase in confirmed cases per day: 2
Testing
Tipton Countians tested: 737
Number negative: 680
Need to get tested? Tipton has six testing sites.
Recovery and hospitalization
Number of Tipton Countians recovered: 34
Number hospitalized at Baptist-Tipton: 0
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
