Tampa officials to close COVID-19 test site at Al Barnes Park due to low demand

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s panel of experts on Tuesday endorsed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11, a key step in making the shots more widely available for younger children.

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa city officials plan to close the COVID-19 testing site at Al Barnes Park, citing a drop of new cases in Hillsborough County and lower demand for testing.

The city made the announcement Friday. Testing will still be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Oct. 31. PCR and rapid antigen tests are available at the site and appointments are not required.

The testing site was added at Al Barnes Park in mid-August when Florida was experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.

"Although transmission of the COVID-19 virus continues to trend down in our community, we remind residents to continue to maintain healthy habits to protect you and your family," according to a statement by the city. "These include staying home when sick, washing your hands often, getting tested when exposed to a COVID-19 positive person and getting vaccinated to prevent serious illness from the COVID-19 virus."

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Free COVID-19 testing may also be available at your local pharmacies, clinics and area hospitals. Over the counter at-home rapid tests are also available at some local pharmacies.

LINK: For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit: www.tampa.gov.

LINK: To find a COVID-19 vaccination site, visit: http://www.vaccines.gov.