DURHAM, N.C. — Duke Hospital has setup outdoor tents at its facilities in Durham and Raleigh to screen people for the coronavirus.

"We're trying to separate out the people who are coming in with respiratory concerns that maybe consistent with the COVID-19," says Dr. Joseph Rogers with the Duke University Health System.

Doctors hope the move will prevent patients inside the building from getting sick. COVID-19 symptomatic patients will stay in their cars while staff members take samples and vital signs. Doctors say the tents are only for those who have shown symptoms and spoken with a doctor.

It's a similar scene at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

"We have a triage nurse and a provider in this tent doing vital signs and a quick medical screening exam," says Dr. Daniel Parker.

Hospitals urge people to think twice before showing up at all.

"If you don't have a significant illness or you're otherwise feeling well with some respiratory symptoms, I would urge you to stay home and follow up with your primary care provider," says Parker.

Hospital leaders say, if needed, screened patients will go inside or to another location. They say the tents will stay up as long as needed.