Large-scale COVID-19 testing sites coming soon to Tampa Bay area
TAMPA, Fla. - A lack of large-scale collection sites remains one of the biggest issues facing the Bay Area in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The first large-scale collection site in Hillsborough County was set to open this weekend at Raymond James Stadium, but plans were delayed.
The need is evident, but large-scale testing is still unavailable throughout most parts of Florida.
"Just two weeks ago everyone was still sending it to the CDC. Once we figured it out we got the guard to put this up very, very quickly," Governor DeSantis said in a news conference Sunday.
The state's first large-scale testing site opened Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The site only opened to first responders and medical workers. On Sunday, wait times were as long as three hours.
The process begins when drivers are first screened in their cars. Then they make their way into tents where the inside of their nose is swabbed.
Closer to home, the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County are planning to open up a similar operation in the parking lot of Raymond James Stadium.
In news conference Saturday, Mayor Jane Castor said the collection site could open as early as Sunday.
"I've been on the phone with the state emergency manager every day and we are supposed to be receiving those collection kits at any time," Castor said.
LINK: County-by-county Florida COVID-19 map
On Sunday, Castor's office confirmed the city received 900 collection kits late Saturday night, but the large-scale collection site had yet to open. A county spokesperson told FOX 13 that logistics are still being worked out and say a date to open has yet to be set.
If you feel sick:
The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.
LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website
CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know
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Map of known COVID-19 cases:
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