FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - New COVID-19 screening sites that do not require residents to have a car have come to South Florida, state leaders said.
According to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, locations in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach are the first walk-through sites in the state.
“Not everyone has access to a car, has the ability to travel to one of these drive-thru sites, so we need to be able to reach into those communities, specifically underserved communities, to be able to provide testing,” said DeSantis. “It’s exciting to be able to continue moving the ball forward on testing.”
People will be able to be screened at Mitchell Moore Park, at 901 NW 10 St., in Pompano Beach and the Urban League, at 560 NW 27 Ave., in Fort Lauderdale.
Nearly 40 members of the National Guard could be seen setting up tents at the Urban League testing site where DeSantis hosted a news conference, Friday.
“So each site is going to start by doing 200 tests a day, and then, we’ll see where it goes from there,” said DeSantis. “I think that, if the model is successful, which we think it will be, we would want to replicate this in some other parts of the state, and we’re already looking in places like Miami-Dade to do this.”
There are no age restrictions at these sites, but patients must be showing symptoms of COVID-19.
“If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you could walk up to the site to receive a test, or you can call ahead to set up an appointment to be tested,” DeSantis said.
Officials expect to test approximately 200 people daily at both sites and an extra 200 patients on Thursdays. Both testing sites will be open from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Those who test positive will receive a call from health officials.
“If a person tests positive, county health department is partnering with federally qualified health centers for follow-up telehealth,” DeSantis said.
Appointments are not necessary but can be made by calling 954-412-7300.
Anyone with questions and concerns about the coronavirus can call the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 1-866-779-6121.
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