KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Knox County Health Department will resume public walk-up virus testing Wednesday at its headquarters while continuing to make plans to shift locations in August.
The department said Tuesday it had identified new space where it wants to offer the testing but that the location is not available until next month. It's not saying where the space is located.
Until then, testing will carry on at its headquarters at 140 Dameron Ave.
The department conducted no testing Monday as it worked on seeking an alternative site.
Testing demand is high, prompting long lines to form outside the Dameron Avenue location. The area's persistent 90-degree days, however, have proved taxing to people waiting to get a test.
That's why the department wants to find another, indoor site where people can get the free walk-up test.
The department is offering testing 8 a.m.-noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
"Once the schedule and location regarding the new testing space is confirmed, we will make a public notification," the department said Tuesday.
People have other choices besides KCHD to get a COVID-19 test. Care clinics and medical offices also offer them. Call ahead to verify that you can get one.
PREVIOUS STORY: With more and more people lining up to get tested for COVID-19 as temperatures rise, the Knox County Health Department is looking for an indoor location that will be more suitable in the summer months.
Health Department Director Dr. Martha Buchanan said Monday authorities are looking for indoor space that could handle a large number of people safely lined up and apart to ensure social distancing.
The department decided against holding free testing Monday as it looks for a new place to offer the testing. The next typical day for free, public walk-up testing is Wednesday.
The search for new space is ongoing, Buchanan said.
"We are still working through the details and hope to have more information about the new format this week," she said.
KCHD also needs a place where there's good WiFi access and space that'll be available "for quite awhile."
Health officials also want it to be convenient for people either to walk to or catch the bus to in case they don't have a vehicle.
KCHD usually offers free tests at its headquarters on Dameron Avenue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In the past few weeks, the lines have gotten longer, with people forced to wait outside in the hot weather.
Health officials know this is uncomfortable.
As of Monday, July 20, the county has seen 2,314 positive COVID-19 cases, with 1,311 of them being active. Knox County deaths from complications due to the virus are now at 19.
Buchanan said there continue to be extended delays in getting test results back from a local lab that's working with the county. She said results now are taking 12 days from initial sampling -- far more than is ideal for the county to track and isolate people who may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
Knox County is looking "at several options" for testing help, Buchanan said. The state has provided the department with a list of firms that may be able to help.