THOMASVILLE, N.C. -- A new COVID-19 testing facility opened in the Triad after another recently closed due to lack of supplies.

Novant Health opened a new COVID-19 drive-thru screening center Monday in Thomasville.

Physician Assistant Ginger Sims said they are only testing people with symptoms which include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Sims said they're encouraging people to use virtual doctors visits to ensure you have the right symptoms before getting tested.

She emphasized the drive-thru testing site helps keep medical staff and patients safe because it allows them to social distance themselves.

“There's no waiting room so these patients aren't sitting in a clinic in a waiting room where they may be elbow to elbow with another patient who may be completely healthy, but not have the respiratory symptoms,” explained Sims.

Cone Health in Greensboro was forced to close their drive-thru testing facilities because they did not have enough supplies and resources to collect specimens.