MIAMI LAKES, FLA. (WSVN) - A group of out-of-state doctors and physicians have opened up a COVID-19 testing site in Miami Lakes.
The doctors from New York City have opened the free testing site at the Miami Lakes Youth Center, located at 6075 Miami Lakes Dr., in an effort to help South Floridians get tested amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
7News cameras captured people lining up at the site while social distancing, Monday morning, as doctors were heard speaking with some of the patients in Spanish.
Testing is being provided by SOMOS Community Care, a network of 2,500 immigrant doctors that are using their resources to help hard-hit areas with Black, Latino and immigrant communities.
“They need to be tested, Hispanic people in the community,” said Dr. Ramon Tallaj, the founder of SOMOS Community Care. “We did this in New York for many, many hundreds of thousands of tests. Now we’re here trying to help.”
The health professionals are focusing on testing, treatment and outreach for low-income communities in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
Since communities of color are experiencing the highest infections and death rates during the pandemic, that prompted the doctors with SOMOS to bring their talents down to South Florida.
“Miami Lakes, Hialeah, they need to be tested, Hispanic people in the community,” said Tallaj. “The mayor of Miami-Dade requested us. We talked, and here we are.”
These doctors are answering the call at a time when testing can’t come fast enough. Over at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens state health officials are looking to cut wait times by launching a dedicated lane for people with symptoms to self-swab.
That pilot program launched Friday, and it is already showing encouraging signs.
“I want to get tested. That’s all,” said a driver in the self-swab line.
Back in Miami Lakes, crews were seen disinfecting the area behind the Youth Center, as doctors gear up for more testing on Tuesday.
“SOMOS is trying to help. Whenever somebody needs it, we will be there,” said Tallaj.
The testing site is open on Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for nasal swab and immunity testing.
To schedule an apportionment, click here.
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