Beginning tomorrow Monday April 20, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) will no longer require appointments for COVID-19 testing. KCHD will offer free, drive-thru testing to the public, including to those who do not have symptoms. If transportation is an issue, please call the KCHD Phone Bank at 865-215-5555 and they will determine an alternate testing option. KCHD team members will collect nasal swab specimens and notify patients as soon as results are available. While labs are working to increase turnaround time, results are typically available between three and five days.
The testing will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Knox County Engineering and Public Works Building, located at 205 W. Baxter Ave. However, people will need to enter through the Wray Street entrance. A map for your reference is posted below. KCHD will have signs and staff directing traffic. The KCHD anticipates that volume will be high, so long wait times should be expected. KCHD urges people to be patient as they work to test as many people as they can. They will continue to work to secure more supplies as it’s their desire to continue this level of testing.
All those tested will need to self-isolate at least until results are available, longer if the test is positive. For questions, KCHD’s information line number is 865-215-5555 or toll-free at 888-288-6022. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 pm., Saturday and Sunday.
