Connectus Health will begin offering drive-up COVID-19 testing at its two Nashville clinics on Monday, Nov. 23. The new curbside services at Connectus' Vine Hill (601 Benton Ave.) and Priest Lake (2637 Murfreesboro Pk.) locations enable the federally qualified health center to provide clinical care for patients who may have been exposed to COVID-19 while continuing to provide a safe clinical space for providers, staff and well patients.

Suzanne Hurley, co-CEO of Connectus Health, said that adding two new testing options in Nashville helps to meet a critical need in the community.

"As we've entered the throes of cold and flu season, COVID-19 testing needs in Nashville have grown exponentially," Hurley said. "The addition of curbside services at both Connectus clinics allows us to safely care for all of our patients and offer two new testing locations to ensure that anyone in the community has access to convenient, safe COVID-19 testing."

Appointments are required for patients to obtain COVID-19 testing and should be made by calling Connectus at 615-292-9770. Anyone can be tested, but it is recommended that a patient get tested within seven days of symptom onset. Rapid tests will be administered in those cases, but PCR tests will also be available for patients with symptom onset before or after the seven-day window.

Additional curbside services at Connectus clinics will include care for anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or is exhibiting symptoms or fever. Connectus team members will meet the patients at their cars outside the clinics to administer COVID-19 tests. Patients may also receive influenza or strep tests and influenza vaccines as needed.

All other "well" clinic services will continue in the regular clinic space for patients who screen

negative for COVID-19 or COVID-19 exposures, including well-child checks, immunizations, OB/GYN visits and procedures, behavioral health visits, circumcisions, blood draws, care for patients with chronic illnesses, and adult physicals.