Want to be tested for COVID-19?
You can be. For free. Even without the symptoms previously required for testing.
On Monday the Tennessee Department of Health announced there will be no more pre-screening at its sites, which includes the one in Covington.
” … At all TDH testing sites (health departments, drive-ups and these drive-throughs) we will now testing everyone who desires to be tested,” said TDH Emergency Response Coordinator Mike Duck.
Previously, only symptomatic patients were considered for, but not guaranteed, testing.
The Centers for Disease Control and TDH still require anyone who’s been tested for COVID-19 to self-quarantine for 10-14 days.
Additionally, the health department will change its days for testing, now planning surge events on Saturdays.
“Due to a change in direction, we will not have testing in each county on the weekends. However, we will be planning larger weekend surge events that will move across the region,” he said.
The events will be multi-lane drive-thrus that will utilize both health department and National Guard staff, and be open from noon to 3 p.m. The first one, this Saturday, will take place at Brighton High School.
Tipton and Fayette will be the first counties in West Tennessee to host these events, then the other counties in West Tennessee will follow suit.
Drive-thru testing began in Covington on March 27. The testing site is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tests are done at no charge to patients.
Where else can I go for testing?
In addition to the health department, five other providers in Tipton County are known to be testing. Each requires patients to call before showing up.
Armour Family Medicine
728 W Sherrod Ave., Covington
901-476-7779
Baptist-Tipton
1995 Hwy. 51 South, Covington
901-476-2621
Fast Pace Urgent Care
1618 Hwy. 51 South, Covington
901-313-9274
RedMed Urgent Clinic
11611 Hwy. 51 South, Atoka
901-842-1760
Speight Family Medical
76 Tabb Drive #E, Munford
901-840-2102
Wade Family Medicine
115 S Munford St, Covington
901-244-4646
Outside of Tipton County, testing can be done at various sites in Shelby County.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
