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MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - The COVID-19 testing site at the Hard Rock Stadium reached capacity shortly after opening the testing criteria to more members of the general public.
The site, located at 347 Don Shula Dr., opened at 9 a.m., Monday and reached capacity for the day at 10:34 a.m., according to a tweet from the Florida Association of Public Information Officers.
At 10:34am, the @FLSERT @FLGuard #COVID19 Test Collection Site @HardRockStadium has reached capacity for the day. For those already in the queue (inside the gates) who've been pre-screened, you will be tested. #media @CBSMiami @nbc6 @wsvn @WPLGLocal10 @Univision23 @Telemundo51 pic.twitter.com/LvNzqcWZAL
— Florida Association of Public Information Officers (@FloridaPIOs) April 13, 2020
“Monday morning, just after 10:30, the line was cut off in anticipation of a big crowd,” said State Division of Emergency Management representative Mike Jachles.
7SkyForce captured a long line of cars at the site.
Those in the gates before the cutoff continued on and were able to get tested. Testing wrapped up at around 1:30 p.m.
Organizers said there are 400 tests available to be administered daily. On Monday, 393 people were tested, and only three were turned away.
Before Monday, the only patients who were able to get tested at the site were those over the age of 65 who were experiencing symptoms, first responders and front line health care workers.
Testing has since opened up to people of all ages who have recently been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus or are showing signs of the virus.
“This will greatly enhance the ability for us to do more testing,” said Jachles. “Any age, if you have COVID symptoms, you will be tested.”
The federal government formerly ran the testing site, but the state has now taken over control.
Sites run by Miami-Dade County are also administering tests.
In a briefing posted to social media on Monday, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said some residents are now eligible for home testing.
“Our county’s new home testing program is starting for seniors and adults with disabilities 18 years and older who are experiencing symptoms,” he said. “This program is countywide, except for the City of Miami, which has its own testing program for COVID-19.”
Residents who would like to make an appointment for a home test can call 305-499-8767, the same hotline used for testing sites at Marlins Park, Miami-Dade County Youth Fairgrounds and South Dade Government Center.
No appointment is necessary to get tested at the Hard Rock Stadium site, but patients will be seen on a first come, first served basis starting at 9 a.m. daily.
“You need to bring a valid photo ID. You need to be in a vehicle. No mopeds, no scooters,” said Jachles.
About 12,000 people have been tested at the Hard Rock Stadium site to date.
For a full list of testing sites across South Florida, click here.
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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