Coronavirus Drive-Through Testing Begins For Community Health Of South Florida Patients
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Community Health of South Florida, Inc. has begun testing its patients for the coronavirus through a drive-through set up.
Testing will take place at the Doris Ison Health Center, located at 10300 SW 216 Street, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Patients are asked to call (305) 252-4820 before heading to the health center. Patients need to be ready to answer questions about travel, contact, and symptoms.
CBS4 News spoke with one doctor who was eager to get tested.
Wearing a white mask and waiting patiently with her German shepherd Rocky, doctor Jana Cua feels compelled to be tested for the coronavirus.
"A couple of residents from my building are foreign exchange students from China where I suspect there could be a problem with the whole building on lockdown," said Dr. Cua while being tested for COVID-19.
Chopper 4 captured a line of patients waiting to be tested in a drive-through at Southwest 216th Street.
Patients have to have traveled to affected countries or been in contact with someone with the virus or have symptoms like fever, coughing, shortness of breath.
"I am feeling pretty bad. It started Saturday night. I have fever and chills and definitely needed to come in. Saturday night I was sick and all Sunday in bed. Fever, chills, headache, the coughing started," Cua said.
It will take three to four days for Cua to find out the results.
"I thank them for this as a drive-through patient," added Cua.
CHI says you have to be proactive.
"The only way to nip this virus in the bud in addition to this is to stay home and practice good hygiene. We are testing as many patients as possible," said Tony Amofah, Sr. Vice President at CHI.
The facility just had 35 test kits today but hopes to receive another 100 by Thursday.
"We expected to get more test kits as time goes by and test more people and maybe even expand this beyond CHI patients," adds Amofah.
CHI has this advice for everyone,
"Hand hygiene, wipe down all surfaces, get rest and stay hydrated," said Monica Mizell, CHI Vice President.
Doctor Cua, meanwhile is prepared to isolate herself if need be.
"I have plenty of fluids at home and toilet paper."
It was determined that four out of ten people here in line needed to be tested.
There will be more of it tomorrow morning and this could expand to patients in Marathon, as well as, the general public.
The cost of the test is $60 to $100. CHI says it is covered by insurance.
CHI plans to add a second testing location at its Marathon Health Center by March 23.
CHI will also begin screening all patients and visitors before they enter any of the health centers to ensure further spread of the virus.
"This is a critical time and CHI has always been there for its patients," said Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. "We have been working diligently, on a daily basis with our COVID-19 response team in concert with local, state and federal agencies to provide the best care possible to our communities."
There should also be testing for the coronavirus by the end of the week outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Members of the National Guard have set up tents in the parking lots on the eastern side of the Stadium. Those who have met CDC test criteria will be able to also get swabbed while in their vehicles.
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