Jackson Madison County Regional Health Department Director Kim Tedford said the drive-through COVID-19 testing taking place at Jacksonson Fairgrounds is running smoothly and that an assessment will be made later Thursday as to whether testing should continue Friday.
Between 10 to 15 people had been tested by 10 a.m. Thursday and no one had been turned away, Tedford said during a Thursday morning media briefing outside of the testing area.
While Tedford would not say how many testing kits were available, she did say there were a “few hundred” available.
The COVID-19 assessment site will be open until 4 p.m. at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Testing is no cost out of pocket for participants, but you are asked to bring a photo ID and insurance card if available.
People from other counties are welcome to get tested and will not be turned away, representatives with the health department said.
COVID-19 tests will be limited and not everyone will qualify for testing, the health department said.
Tedford said those wanting to be tested must be symptomatic (fever, dry cough, shortness of breath) and meet other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for testing.
The health department said you must be at least 18 years of age to be tested.
Those who are tested for COVID-19 will be required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days or until they are notified of a negative result, Tedford said. She said it could be several days before test results return to her department.
Citizens must enter the assessment site at Magnolia Street.
a large number of people are expected, so come prepared to wait in line for an extended period of time. Public restrooms will not be available for use and participants wanting to be tested must remain in their vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accepted.
Find more information about COVID-19 from the Tennessee Department of Health at https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated information and guidance available online at www.cdc.gov/COVID19.