ETSU Health Extends COVID-19 Testing Site Hours

From East Tennessee State University:

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – ETSU Health has extended service hours at its COVID-19 testing site in response to limited at-home test supply availability and the anticipated rise in cases due to the Omicron variant.

Hours of operation will now extend from 8:15 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:15 a.m.-noon, Friday. Preregistration is required. Schedule an appointment online at ETSUHealth.org.

The convenient drive-thru testing site, located behind ETSU Health’s clinic at 325 North State of Franklin Road, allows patients to receive a reliable molecular PCR test without leaving their vehicle.

Results are provided within 24 hours, a benefit that few of the more reliable PCR testing sites are able to offer, according to Clinical Labs Director Dr. Kevin Breuel.

“Over the past week, the number of COVID-19 cases has surged across the state while remaining fairly stable in Northeast Tennessee,” Breuel said. “It is believed that the COVID-19 variant, Omicron, is likely responsible for the rapid increase in the number of cases and that this trend will likely appear in Northeast Tennessee over the next several weeks.”

Nasal swab testing is available for all patients, whether exhibiting symptoms or not. There is no direct cost to the patients for this test.

Visit ETSUHealth.org for more information.

This press release was produced by East Tennessee State University. The views expressed are the author's own.