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Coronavirus Testing: Gov. Ron DeSantis Praises New Mobile Collection Facility In Pembroke Pines

PEMBROKE PINES (CBSMiami) – On Friday morning, members of the National Guard, along with medical staff from Memorial Hospital, will be at CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines to begin collecting samples from first responders and the elderly who show symptoms of coronavirus.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited the site on Thursday afternoon and said he hopes the site will be a game changer for how the state tests for the illness.

"People are kind of flying blind because there haven't been enough tests done," DeSantis said. "We're gonna try to change that."

DeSantis said it's been a challenge to get enough materials to test people and when people do get tested it's a long wait for results. He believes this operation could be an antidote and, if successful, could be replicated elsewhere in Florida. DeSantis said testing here will initially focus on two groups of people.

"Those who are health care workers because if they test positive that could sideline a lot of people that they're working with," he explained. "The other group will be those senior citizens, 65 and older who are symptomatic of having coronavirus."

Reporters asked the governor about his decision to not order the closure of beaches statewide, even after pictures showed Spring Breakers congregating in large numbers. DeSantis said it's important for people to get outside and get fresh air but to stay away from larger groups. For now, he and his team are focusing on social distancing and strong messaging.

"I think that's a more prudent approach — to do social distancing," DeSantis said.

"There will be another spring break when this is over," said Jared Moskowitz, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director. "The beach will be there."

DeSantis also said he asked the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, which is on tribal land, to shut bars and restaurants. He said they agreed to do so.

The governor also said he's preparing an executive order for Friday to affect Broward and Palm Beach Counties. He said it could mirror Miami-Dade's effort to close non-essential businesses, beaches and parks. Broward Mayor Dale Holness said he believes the community needs clarity on the issue and that larger businesses should probably close for the time being.

"If it is a business that has a large number of people that are congregating, that could transmit the virus, yes," he said.

DeSantis said South Florida is where the bulk of the coronavirus cases are and significant steps must be taken.

"Broward County right now is the epicenter of what we're seeing," he said. "We need to be here for our friends in Broward and turn the tide on this thing."

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