BULLETIN:  Drive-through COVID-19 testing in Rutherford County will shut-down at noon Friday and will remain closed until a time to be announced on Monday. This is due to the rain and winds that are remnants of Hurricane Laura that are expected to arrive in the afternoon. 

Middle Tennessee areas, including Rutherford County, are expected to experience the remains of Laura starting Friday. National Weather Service reports indicate that the area could see heavy rainfall, possibly leading to localized flooding, maybe even a few quick, spin-up tornadoes between Friday afternoon and midnight. Winds outside of the storms could be sustained and 15-25 miles per hour with gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour Friday afternoon through dawn Saturday.

“The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency recommended that local health departments prepare for the coming of this weather event,” said RCHD Director Dana Garrett. “We will be taking down our tents and outdoor testing supplies on Friday and depending on the weather, we may close early and/or be late opening on Monday.”

Garrett says that opening time Monday is not yet known, acknowledging that it will take time for the tents and outdoor supplies to be set up again.

“We will do our best to provide testing during our regularly scheduled times of Monday-Friday 8:30 am-12:00 noon,” said Garrett, noting that calling 615-898-7880 prior to coming in for testing on those days is highly recommended.

“Since all testing occurs outside, we have to protect staff, supplies, and our patients from dangerous weather, and that makes testing unpredictable sometimes, especially with these types of situations,” she continued. “We apologize for any inconvenience, but we will be back up and running as usual as soon as practically possible.”