Governor Bill Lee announced free COVID-19 testing will be available for any Tennessean, even if they are not displaying traditional symptoms beginning Saturday, April 18.

The decision came as the Unified-Command group ramps up an aggressive effort to expand testing capacity across the state.

“As we look to reboot our state’s economy, we must have a greater understanding of how this virus is operating in Tennessee,” said Gov. Lee. “Expanding our COVID-19 testing capacity allows more Tennesseans to have improved access to testing which will empower citizens to make informed health decisions.”

States across the country have grappled with the availability of tests and supplies needed to conduct COVID-19 tests, as well as the backlog for processing tests. Rapid improvements to the testing apparatus allowed officials to develop expanded capacity and offer targeted testing across the state.

“Our clinical understanding of COVID-19 is changing rapidly and we need every Tennessean who isn’t feeling well, even outside of the traditional COVID-19 symptoms of cough, fever or difficulty breathing, to come out and get tested,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey.

During a media briefing, Dr. Piercey said, "If you feel like you need a test, we will test you."

Gov. Lee holds briefing WATCH LIVE: Gov. Bill Lee is expected to make an announcement about Tennessee schools during his daily COVID-19 briefing. https://bit.ly/34CIyIO Posted by WVLT on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

The expanded testing effort launches April 18-19, 2020, with the Tennessee National Guard popping up 15 drive-through testing sites across the state. Drive-through testing sites will also be available during the weekends of April 25-26 and May 2-3.

Tennessee Department of Health Nurses and Tennessee National Guard medics will perform tests at each site and results are projected to be delivered to participants within three days of testing.

A full list of sites can be accessed