Coronavirus Testing With Expanded Criteria Reaches Capacity In 2 Hours At Hard Rock Stadium
MIAMI (CBSMiami) — Hard Rock Stadium began its second day of coronavirus testing with its new expanded criteria and cars starting lining up very early but shortly before 11:00 a.m., the site reached its capacity for the day.
Gates opened at 9 a.m., but around five in the morning and the line of cars was already quite long.
Jose Vasquez got here at 5 in the morning.
"Check myself out because my job, a meeting, one of the guys tested positive and hadn't told nobody."
Even though he is not complaining of any symptoms, Jose can get tested because of loosened testing criteria.
Now anyone, even without symptoms, can get tested if they have been around anyone who tested positive.
"I got a call from work stating one of our employees tested positive with the coronavirus and they asked all of us at work to get tested before we come back to work," said Brenda Matthew, who was in line to get tested.
Matthew was in line just after 5 a.m., too.
She's grateful for new testing criteria, along with people who have been around someone with symptoms, anyone with underlying health conditions can come too, and of course, first responders and medical personnel.
But there's a catch. There are only 400 tests administered per day and with it being first-come, first-served, not everyone will get a test.
"I came here yesterday, I couldn't do it so I came back today," said Florence, who was in line to get tested.
Folks at the test site are warning people who come — don't expect this to be a quick process.
One person even ran out of gas waiting.
"If you're coming to the site plan on a long wait," said spokesman Mike Jachles, "That last car tested 1:30 Tuesday afternoon probably was in at 6:30 in the morning," he said
In all, 396 people were tested Tuesday.
Along with people who've been around someone with symptoms, anyone with underlying health conditions can come too, and of course, first responders and medical personnel.
"At the Hard Rock site, 400 tests are being done daily, that's the plan for now. If things change, we'll let you know. Would we like to do more tests, of course," said Jachles.
Organizers say to do more that would include staffing issues, getting more PPE and more test kits.
Site organizers say if you plan to come to the Hardrock Stadium site plan to get here early, have a full tank of gas and go to the bathroom before coming, you are not allowed to get out of your car. Testing resumes at 9 a.m.
On Monday, just 90 minutes after the gates opened, the site reached capacity for the day.
The site initially was testing only seniors showing symptoms and first responders; but now if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 or if you were exposed to a person with the coronavirus, you can get tested, whether you have symptoms or not.
A person of any age can get tested as well and the test is now a throat swab instead of a nasal swab making it easier to test children.
The test is also free and no appointment is needed at Hard Rock Stadium.
Despite the expanded criteria and number of people being tested increasing from 250 to 400 a day at this site, some people don't think the State is testing enough people.
"I'm 61 and I just started with my symptoms not too long ago. I haven't been able to get tested until now," said Eliana.
"I don't think it is fair to the public only testing such a small percentage of people. We are all still at risk," said Remi Davis.
RELATED:
Current Curfews In South Florida
Drive-Through Testing Locations
Track The Spread Of The Coronavirus In Real Time
How To Make Your Own Face Mask
Tips To Protect Your Vehicle While It Sits Unused During Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order
While Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he is creating strike teams to increase testing of willing residents and staff of long term care facilities, he has been criticized that the state is not testing enough people.
"It ends up being about 1 test for every 85 residents of those 3 southeastern Florida Counties," he said.
We have reached out to the Governor's office to see if they do plan on adding to the 400 test capacity at the Hard Rock Stadium site. We are waiting on a response.
