Hardin County begins drive-thru testing for coronavirus

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — In the first two days drive-thru COVID-19 testing was open, the Hardin County Health Department checked more than 80 people for the virus at First Baptist Church in Savannah.

“I would like to do at least 100 a day, and we’re hoping to see that pick up as the days go by,” said Pattie Kiddy, Director of the Public Health Department for Hardin County.

Because of the testing, they’ve been able to identify two more cases of the virus in the county.

“Today will be number 4, yes,” Kiddy said.

It’s easy to get tested for COVID-19 in Hardin Co. All you do is go to First Baptist Church on Main St. and go through the drive-thru. It’s free, and you don’t have to show any symptoms.

“I understand that people have COVID-19, and they have no symptoms,” Kiddy said. “Our goal is to test everyone who comes through regardless of symptoms.”

The site is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday. The process takes about five minutes.

“You pull in. You stop at the first table with the nurse. She fills out all your information, gives you a mask to put over your mouth and your nose, then you proceed to the next station. The National Guard swabs you, and out the door you go,” Kiddy said.

Health department officials say those results are expected to come back the next day.

Testing is open to anyone, not just Hardin County residents.

The drive-thru test site in Savannah will also be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at First Baptist.