Coronavirus Testing Site At Hard Rock Stadium Opens, CB Smith Park Now Requires Pre-Registration
MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) - A drive-thru coronavirus testing site at Hard Rock Stadium opened Monday to those 65 and older showing symptoms.
The site opened Sunday for first responders and health care workers only. More than 700 people showed up, with only a handful of them being turned away because they did not meet the criteria for testing.
So many showed up, they had to close the line around 3:30 p.mm.
This federally supported testing site was set up in conjunction with FEMA and the National Guard.
The site is located in the east parking lot. Testing is free.
Although the testing site will be open until 5 p.m., gates closed at 3 p.m. to process all individuals.
Willy Bowens lined up early.
"I'm just checking to make sure I don't have it," he said. "I was doing Uber driving and that's one of the reasons I wanted to get tested."
Those seeking a test must meet certain criteria.
- Must be 65 years of age or older and be symptomatic. (Must bring ID)
- First responders and health care workers do not have be symptomatic. (Must bring ID)
- If you do not meet the criteria, you will be asked to exit the lot.
- The test site is drive-through only.
- Test results will take 48-72 hours.
"Karen" from Miami Gardens brought her mother who wasn't feeling well to the test site.
"I brought my mom, she has symptoms. She feels weak, so we came to see if she is positive or if it is something else," she said. "I'm glad they are doing it because the older population is more vulnerable."
RELATED: LOCATIONS OF DRIVE THROUGH TESTING FACILITIES IN SOUTH FLORIDA
In Broward, Memorial Healthcare Systems has now implemented a telephone pre-registration requirement for those who want to be tested at the drive-thru site at CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines.
People will be able to complete the crucial criteria screening and provide demographical information ahead of time, which is required in order to get tested at the park.
This will reduce the wait time in the park.
The COVID-19 test collection site reservation line is (954) 276-4680.
The Call Center phone line will open starting Monday, March 23, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Starting on Tuesday, the call center will be open daily from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Everyone who calls to register – and meets the criteria for testing – will be provided a confirmation number and a pre-packet will be waiting at the park for them.
If multiple individuals are coming in one car, each individual must be preregistered. Everyone wanting to be tested must bring identification to the park.
Every person who wants to be tested at the park must be pre-registered.
WHO SHOULD CALL TO REGISTER:
- First responders: (essential personnel) police, fire-rescue and hospital workers
who are symptomatic. - 65 years or older with chronic conditions and symptomatic.
- Individuals who meet the testing criteria: symptomatic, have traveled internationally by cruise or air or from an affected geographical area.
- Immune compromised and symptomatic.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE SITE:
- People must have their ID ready to show upon arrival. The registrant's name will be verified with the pre-packet.
- Once the registrant is verified, the Florida National Guard will provide additional direction.
- There is no medical treatment available at the site. It's strictly for test collection.
Anyone who is asymptomatic, or just feeling mild flu-like symptoms and are not in a high-risk category, should not go to the testing site. Stay home, self-isolate, and rest. Those concerned should call their doctor. Those in severe distress should go to the nearest emergency room.
OBTAINING TEST RESULTS:
- Memorial Healthcare System clinical teams will notify all registrants of positive and negative results by phone.
- Registrants who provided an e-mail address during registration will receive links to register to Memorial My Chart or to Quest Laboratory to receive results electronically.
RELATED:
Coronavirus Curfews In South Florida
Coronavirus, Pandemic, Quarantine, Social Distancing: All The Terms You Need To Know
Washing Your Hands Is Best Defense Against Coronavirus, Not A Facemask
Track The Spread Of The Coronavirus In Real Time
Think You Have Coronavirus? Call Florida's COVID-19 Hotline Before Going To Doctor Or ER
