AC Health Department offering COVID-19 assessments

The Anderson County Health Department is offering COVID-19 assessments, Mayor Terry Frank said Wednesday.

People who think they may have COVID-19 symptoms can call the health department at (865) 425-8801 and receive a consultation and talk about possible testing options in the area.

“If you are ill and experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever and cough, shortness of breath, or breathing problems), it is recommended you call either your health care provider or the health department first so they can arrange for your arrival to minimize the risk of exposing others to an illness,” Frank said.

The East Regional Health Office has an information line for local residents and health care providers to call with questions or concerns related to COVID-19, a contagious respiratory illness that can be deadly and has led to a global pandemic. The information line is (865) 549-5343. It is designed to provide callers with trusted information about COVID-19, Frank said. Residents with medical questions will be referred to their health care provider or a public health nurse. The information line is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

To help “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of COVID-19, health officials recommend you:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer) for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick, and stay away from sick people.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect objects (e.g. cell phone, computer) and high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Practice social distancing/physical distancing from others (at least six feet of separation are recommended) and try to stay home as much as possible.

The Tennessee Department of Health has more information available at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated information and guidance available online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.